Barry Bonds is officially back on the Hall of Fame ballot — and tonight on NS9LIVE, we’re breaking down what it means for Pittsburgh, for baseball, and for one of the most polarizing careers in MLB history. We’ll also dive into the Pirates placing Ji Hwan Bae, Liover Peguero, and Jack Little on waivers, the new Arizona Fall League Home Run Derby featuring Esmerlyn Valdez and Tony Blanco Jr., and wrap up with a look at this year’s Pirates fan survey results.

We are joined by Sam Dykstra of MLB Pipeline while we were at the Arizona Fall League. Sam gives his update on some of the interesting prospects in the Pirates system such as Konnor Griffin, Bubba Chandler, Hunter Barco, and more.

The Dodgers have done it again — back-to-back World Series titles. But at what cost? On this week’s Bucco Brew, we’re asking the question every baseball fan’s thinking: are the Dodgers ruining the sport? We break down how their endless payroll, development machine, and dominance are reshaping MLB—and what it means for small-market teams like the Pirates.

The Pirates made a few coaching/front office moves this week. They brought in former Astros pitching coach to fill the role left vacant by Oscar Marin. Jim, DiNardo, and Tyler discuss why there is optimism with this move and how Bill Murphy is viewed and what he brings to the table in Pittsburgh. The Pirates also moved on from John Baker as what was described as a mutual decision. But, we also start the convo tonight with the news that Derek Shelton will become the new manager of the Minnesota Twins.

While we were in Arizona we caught up with Baseball America's Jesus Cano to dive into what he has been seeing from the Pirates prospects in the AFL. With the dominant start from Esmerlyn Valdez, to the power from Tony Blanco Jr., as well as which pitchers are showing him some promise.

Jim and DiNardo discuss the loss of Justin Horowitz, who was named Assistant General Manager for the Nationals last week. What does that mean for the Pirates going forward? They also touch on what the 2026 payroll looks like and project how and where they will end up come Opening Day.

The Pirates’ 2025 season was a frustrating mix of promising underlying metrics and disappointing outcomes. Their team expected wOBA (xwOBA) suggested they were doing far more damage than their actual numbers showed.

Jim, Tyler, & DiNardo wrap up their time at the Arizona Fall League by each giving their biggest takeaway. It's no surprise that Esmerlyn Valdez & Tony Blanco Jr. were the talk of the league so far. Listen to what each have to say from their visit.

Bucco Brew Powered by De Fer Coffee & Tea Jim and DiNardo are back from their trip to Arizona Fall League and they have some thoughts. Also, could Paul Skenes have been the next Shohei Ohtani? Presented by De Fer Coffee & Tea.

Tyler and Jim recap day 3 of NS9's trip to the Arizona Fall League. Today we saw the Salt River Rafters come from behind to win thanks in part to Tony Blanco Jr.'s 2 RBI Double. Both he and Esmerlyn Valdez once again sparked the offense for this team.

Tony Blanco Jr. joins DiNardo as he asks him how he is able to hit the 15th hardest ball in Statcast history at just 20 years of age, his patience at the plate, and wonders who would win in a HR derby between Tony and Esmerlyn Valdez.

DiNardo talks to The Magician, Esmerlyn Valdez, on his scorching hot start to the Arizona Fall League where he leads in walks and home runs. He also wants to know who would win in a HR derby between Esmerlyn and Tony Blanco Jr.

Tyler & DiNardo recap day 2 of the NS9 Arizona Fall League trip. Tony Blanco Jr. went 2-for-4 with a double and a walk while also recording the 15th hardest hit ever in Statcast history with his 120.4 mph double. Josh Loeschorn and Jaden Woods also each pitched giving up an earned un a piece.

Jim and DiNardo recap Day 1 of NS9's trip to the Arizona Fall League. Esmerlyn Valdez and Tony Blanco Jr. led the way, each launching home runs into the desert night in Salt River's 12-11 heartbreaking loss.

At just 20 years old, Blanco Jr. already boasts some of the hardest exit velocities in professional baseball—and he’s just scratching the surface. In this conversation, he opens up about battling injuries, learning to balance power and contact, and what it’s like to be a 6’7” slugger with major-league potential.

Former Pirates catcher and current SportsNet Pittsburgh analyst Michael “Fort” McKenry joins the guys to break down the Pirates’ catching situation heading into 2026. The crew debates Henry Davis vs. Joey Bart vs. Rafael Flores, talks about whether defense or offense matters more behind the plate, and gets Fort’s firsthand perspective on what makes a good catcher in today’s game.

Valdez talks about his breakout power surge, hitting 26 home runs between Greensboro and Altoona, what clicked for him at the plate, and how it felt to represent the Pirates among the game’s top prospects. We also dive into his approach to hitting lefties, his continued growth in Double-A, and what he’s focusing on as he looks ahead to 2026.

Pirates right-hander Josh Loeschorn joins us to talk about his comeback after missing 2024 with back surgery. He walks us through his time at LIU, the Frontier League, and how his computer science and analytics background have shaped him into a smarter, more efficient pitcher. Josh also discusses training at RPP and Driveline, his approach on the mound, and the mindset that got him back to competing again in 2025.

The NLCS kicks off tomorrow and October baseball is heating up — but in Pittsburgh, the biggest question isn’t about the playoffs, it’s about Oneil Cruz. On today’s Bucco Brew, we talk through what the Pirates should do with Cruz moving forward, plus Matt Hague staying with the staff and updates from the Arizona Fall League.

Former Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman John Nogowski joins Nathan to relive his unforgettable run in the summer of 2021 — from the wild trade that sent him from St. Louis to Pittsburgh, to becoming an instant fan favorite as “Big Nogowski.