Locked On Pirates - Daily Podcast On The Pittsburgh Pirates
Locked On Podcast Network, Ethan Smith
1013 episodes
21 hours ago
Locked On Pirates podcast is your daily ticket to stay ahead of the game and the first to know the latest news, analysis, and insider info for the Pittsburgh Pirates and Major League Baseball. Hosted by Ethan Smith, a writer for Inside the Bucs, the Locked On Pirates podcast provides your daily Pirates fix with expert, local analysis, and coverage of all aspects of the Pirates franchise. Locked On Pirates takes you beyond the scoreboard for the inside scoops on the biggest stories from within the Pirates locker room and all over MLB. The Locked On Pirates podcast is part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.
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Locked On Pirates podcast is your daily ticket to stay ahead of the game and the first to know the latest news, analysis, and insider info for the Pittsburgh Pirates and Major League Baseball. Hosted by Ethan Smith, a writer for Inside the Bucs, the Locked On Pirates podcast provides your daily Pirates fix with expert, local analysis, and coverage of all aspects of the Pirates franchise. Locked On Pirates takes you beyond the scoreboard for the inside scoops on the biggest stories from within the Pirates locker room and all over MLB. The Locked On Pirates podcast is part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.
Today we kick off a brand-new series: Positional Review, starting with Catcher. We rank Henry Davis, Joey Bart, Rafael Flores, Endy Rodriguez, and Abrahan Gutierrez defensively and offensively, then build a depth chart for 2026. Plus, we dive into today’s three winner-take-all Wild Card games and discuss what Ben Cherington’s confirmed return means for the Pirates’ offseason strategy.
The Pirates have let go of Oscar Marin, Mike Rabelo, and Brent Strom as Don Kelly begins shaping his coaching staff. We break down the pitching stats under Marin, question why the offense remains untouched, and answer an AMA: who’s more surprisingly still here—Ben Cherington or Travis Williams?
The Pirates are running it back with Ben Cherington, Travis Williams, and Don Kelly. Gary shares quotes from the front office and manager, then breaks down the playoff matchups: Tigers vs Guardians, Padres vs Cubs, Red Sox vs Yankees, and Reds vs Dodgers.
The 2025 Pirates never truly had a chance — and they knew it. In Segment 1, we explore what players are saying about the team’s future and the need for investment. Segment 2 dives into the deeper dysfunction that plagued the season. And in Segment 3, we celebrate the players who stood out with our 2025 Team Awards. Let’s talk about what went wrong, what went right, and what must change.
AMA Special! Gary answers your toughest questions about the Pirates — from payroll philosophy and coaching changes to Ben Cherington’s future and the state of the NL Central. No topic is off-limits in this brutally honest, fan-driven episode.
Gary Morgan recaps the Pirates’ thrilling 4–3 extra-inning win over the Reds on September 24, 2025, and its impact on Cincinnati’s playoff hopes. He also explores the philosophy of player development, focusing on Nick Gonzales and Jared Triolo as they enter a pivotal fourth year. Plus, a fan AMA on the future of baseball if the sport shuts down in 2027.
Gary Morgan recaps the Pirates’ 4-2 win over the Reds, including Hunter Barco’s MLB debut, Oneil Cruz’s 20th homer, and Rafael Flores behind the plate. He also answers AMA questions about the ABS challenge system and how it could impact Pirates pitchers and hitters, and discusses what kind of hitting philosophy the team should adopt if a new GM is hired.
The Pirates face the Reds in a series that could decide the final NL Wild Card spot. We break down the pitching matchups, playoff implications, and dive into a two-part AMA covering trade prospects, Ben Cherington’s future, Henry Davis’s development, and more.
The Pirates shut out the A’s for the final 22 innings of their weekend series and capped it off with an 11-0 blowout win. In Segment 1, we break down the pitching dominance, offensive highlights, and home vs. away splits. Then, we shift to Ben Cherington’s press availability, where the GM addressed his uncertain future, the team’s offensive struggles, and what needs to change heading into 2026. It’s a loaded episode — let’s go.
The Oakland A’s come to town, and somehow they look ahead of the Pirates — despite having every excuse to be worse. Gary Morgan breaks down the final 9 games of the season, the excuses already forming, and why this year feels like a merciful end more than a sad goodbye.
The Altoona Curve are one win away from advancing in the Southwest Division playoffs after a dominant Game 1 win over Erie. Gary breaks down the standout performances, previews Game 2, and dives into why AA success hasn’t translated to MLB impact for the Pirates — and why that needs to change.
Is Don Kelly actually a good manager, or just better than Derek Shelton? We break down his record, the Pirates’ reliance on Paul Skenes, and how this six-year stretch compares to the worst in MLB history.
Gary Morgan breaks down the Pirates’ current infield usage and projects who’s earned a job for 2026. He answers a listener question about mental health support in pro sports and previews early 40-man roster decisions, including Hunter Barco and Brandon Bidois.
Gary Morgan goes off on Oneil Cruz’s disappointing season and questions whether he can be part of the Pirates’ future core. He also honors Roberto Clemente on his day and asks fans to share their stories for a future tribute episode. Finally, he breaks down Ji-Hwan Bae’s confusing recall and what it says about the team’s direction.
What if the Pittsburgh Pirates don't fire Ben Cherington?
Gary Morgan explores the implications of keeping the current GM in place—from the front office vision to the 2026 roster. Is continuity the key, or a recipe for more of the same?
Paul Skenes reaches 200 strikeouts, but the Pirates clinch another losing season. Gary Morgan breaks down Skenes’s performance, the Orioles series, and the Pirates’ five-year offensive decline. Plus, what Henry Davis’s struggles say about the team’s development system.
Two Pirates affiliates—Altoona and Greensboro—are in the playoffs, facing off against teams loaded with Top 100 prospects. We break down the matchups, highlight standout players, and discuss the value of winning in the minors. Plus, Braxton Ashcraft’s case for a 2026 rotation spot and a look at the upcoming Roberto Clemente documentary airing on The History Channel.
AMA Time! Gary answers your questions about Paul Skenes’ Cy Young chances, MLB expansion cities, the Pirates’ offseason plans, Brandan Bidois’ insane streak, and whether the team should go all-in on Eugenio Suárez. Plus: Oviedo vs. Keller trade value, the middle infield debate, and how to bridge a 180-inning gap in the 2026 rotation.
Locked On Pirates - Daily Podcast On The Pittsburgh Pirates
Locked On Pirates podcast is your daily ticket to stay ahead of the game and the first to know the latest news, analysis, and insider info for the Pittsburgh Pirates and Major League Baseball. Hosted by Ethan Smith, a writer for Inside the Bucs, the Locked On Pirates podcast provides your daily Pirates fix with expert, local analysis, and coverage of all aspects of the Pirates franchise. Locked On Pirates takes you beyond the scoreboard for the inside scoops on the biggest stories from within the Pirates locker room and all over MLB. The Locked On Pirates podcast is part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.
