On this episode of Dahn on the Farm, powered by Bucco Bantr, we sit down with Pittsburgh Pirates pitching prospect Draven Zeigler 🔥

Draven breaks down his path from dominating at LSU Shreveport (NAIA) to signing with the Pirates as an undrafted free agent, and what the jump to professional baseball has really been like. We dive into what he’s been working on since turning pro, how he’s adjusting to higher competition, and his mindset on continuing to improve at the next level.

Pirates fans are going to love Draven Zeigler’s confidence on the mound, his honesty about development, and his belief in what’s ahead.

🎙️ Topics include:

From NAIA standout to Pirates prospect

Signing as an undrafted free agent

Adjusting to professional baseball

Pitching development & improvements

Confidence, mindset, and goals

If you’re a Pittsburgh Pirates fan, a prospect junkie, or love behind-the-scenes baseball stories, this episode is for you.

👉 Like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more Pirates coverage and prospect interviews!

Join us on Discord: https://dubclub.win/af/afl-rep3z/

Follow us on Instagram: @buccobantr

Follow us on Twitter (X): @buccobantr

Follow us on TikTok: @buccobantr

Follow us on Blue Sky: @buccobantr.bsky.social

Subscribe to our YouTube: @buccobantr

Check out Just Baseball here: https://www.justbaseball.com/

Email us your questions: buccobantr@gmail.com

🚨 BUCCO BANTR PODCAST | INTERVIEW WITH JAKE MANGUM 🚨

Pirates fans, this is an episode you do NOT want to miss.

We’re joined by new Pittsburgh Pirate Jake Mangum, and his story is one of the most inspiring journeys to the big leagues you’ll hear. From being drafted THREE separate times, to getting traded twice before his time with the Rays, to grinding year after year before finally making his Major League debut, Mangum never stopped believing — and now he’s ready to leave it all on the field for Pittsburgh.

Jake opens up about the mental and physical challenges of chasing the dream, how staying locked in through constant uncertainty shaped him as a player, and what it meant to finally hear his name called to the show. His passion for the game and appreciation for every opportunity jumps off the screen.

⚾ FULL EPISODE BREAKDOWN:

In this in-depth conversation, we dive into:

- Jake Mangum’s complete journey through professional baseball

- What it was like being drafted three times and continuing to grind

- Navigating multiple trades before reaching the majors

- The emotions of finally making his MLB debut

- How he found out he was being traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates

- Why he’s genuinely fired up about this opportunity in Pittsburgh

- His belief in this clubhouse and this team’s ability to win

- His detailed approach at the plate and offensive preparation

- How he studies pitchers and adjusts game-to-game

- The pride he takes in defense and how he works to perfect it

- What kind of energy and effort Pirates fans can expect every night

- Why he’s committed to giving everything he has to help this team win

Mangum talks about playing the game the right way — bringing intensity, consistency, and effort every single day. He understands what it means to earn your spot, and he makes it clear that wearing a Pirates uniform is something he does not take lightly.

If you want a deeper look at a player who embodies grit, perseverance, and love for the game — and someone Pirates fans can truly get behind — this episode delivers from start to finish.

👉 LIKE the video to support the show

👉 SUBSCRIBE for more Pirates interviews and baseball talk

👉 COMMENT below and tell us what you think Jake Mangum brings to this team

🎙️ Bucco Bantr Podcast — your home for in-depth Pittsburgh Pirates coverage, player interviews, and real baseball conversations.

Join us on Discord: https://dubclub.win/af/afl-rep3z/

Follow us on Instagram: @buccobantr

Follow us on Twitter (X): @buccobantr

Follow us on TikTok: @buccobantr

Follow us on Blue Sky: @buccobantr.bsky.social

Subscribe to our YouTube: @buccobantr

Check out Just Baseball here: https://www.justbaseball.com/

Email us your questions: buccobantr@gmail.com

This week Adam and Chris look at the based-on-real-events story of Jim Morris- the 35 year old rookie reliever. We get to see Jim's life play out from a young ballplayer that fights with his dad, to a high school science teacher that fights with his dad, to a grown man that finally fulfills his dream of playing major league baseball and then not fight with his dad. If you want to see an old guy absolute rip heaters past a team of high school baseball players, this is the movie for you!

🚨 This Week on the Bucco Bantr Podcast 🚨

Big rumors, bold takes, and major offseason possibilities for the Pittsburgh Pirates!

In this episode, Scott and Adam break down the recent rumors surrounding Japanese star Kazuma Okamoto and make a compelling case for why Pittsburgh should be his top destination over other contending teams. Could the Pirates finally land a marquee international bat to anchor the lineup? We dive into the fit, the upside, and what Okamoto could mean for the future of the franchise.

Scott also explores alternative infield upgrade options, including a potential signing of Yoán Moncada. If Moncada can stay healthy, could he be a sneaky upgrade to the lineup? We discuss his upside, bounce-back potential, and how he could form a strong platoon with Jared Triolo, adding much-needed depth and versatility to the infield.

On the pitching side, we turn our attention to the back end of the rotation. Are the Pirates one veteran arm away from stabilizing their young staff? We debate whether adding veteran ace Justin Verlander could benefit this developing rotation—both on the mound and as a mentor for Pittsburgh’s rising arms.

🎙️ Topics Covered:

Kazuma Okamoto rumors & Pirates free agent fit

Why Pittsburgh makes sense over other contenders

Yoán Moncada as a bounce-back candidate

Infield platoon ideas with Jared Triolo

Rotation upgrades & veteran pitching leadership

Could Justin Verlander help a young Pirates staff?

If you’re a Pirates fan, MLB offseason junkie, or love deep baseball analysis, this episode is for you.

Join us on Discord: https://dubclub.win/af/afl-rep3z/

Follow us on Instagram: @buccobantr

Follow us on Twitter (X): @buccobantr

Follow us on TikTok: @buccobantr

Follow us on Blue Sky: @buccobantr.bsky.social

Subscribe to our YouTube: @buccobantr

Check out Just Baseball here: https://www.justbaseball.com/

Email us your questions: buccobantr@gmail.com

🔥 BUCCO BANTR EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW 🔥

🚨 2x All-Star Brandon Lowe is officially a Pittsburgh Pirate — and he sat down with BUCCO BANTR to talk ball. 🚨

In this must-watch episode, we go in-depth with Brandon Lowe, breaking down his recent trade to the Pittsburgh Pirates, his journey with the Tampa Bay Rays, and how that winning environment helped shape him into one of the most consistent power-hitting infielders in baseball.

⚾ What we cover in this episode:

- Brandon’s first reaction to the trade and joining the Pirates

- How his time in Tampa Bay helped him develop at the MLB level

- The importance of building a winning culture in Pittsburgh

- How his postseason experience can translate to the Pirates clubhouse

-A deep dive into his swing mechanics and offensive approach

- What his offseason training looked like

- 🔮 What Pirates fans can expect from Brandon Lowe in 2025 and beyond

This is a huge moment for the Pirates and their fans — and Brandon gives real insight into how he plans to help turn Pittsburgh into a contender. If you’re a Pirates fan, baseball junkie, or love behind-the-scenes MLB conversations, this episode is for you.

👇 LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and COMMENT what you’re most excited to see from Brandon Lowe in Pittsburgh! 👇

Join us on Discord: https://dubclub.win/af/afl-rep3z/

Follow us on Instagram: @buccobantr

Follow us on Twitter (X): @buccobantr

Follow us on TikTok: @buccobantr

Follow us on Blue Sky: @buccobantr.bsky.social

Subscribe to our YouTube: @buccobantr

Check out Just Baseball here: https://www.justbaseball.com/

Email us your questions: buccobantr@gmail.com

This week on Bucco Bantr’s Dahn on the Farm, we sit down with Pittsburgh Pirates pitching prospect Carlson Reed for an in-depth conversation about his journey through pro baseball ⚾

Coming out of West Virginia University (WVU), Carlson breaks down what the transition from college baseball to professional baseball was really like—and why a complete mentality shift was necessary to get back to being a starting pitcher at the pro level. From changes in routine to learning how to attack hitters differently, Carlson gives honest insight into the adjustments young pitchers must make in the Pirates minor league system.

We also dive into Carlson’s experience in the Arizona Fall League, where he faced some of baseball’s top prospects. He explains how competing against elite talent helped him gain perspective, build confidence, and learn more about himself both on and off the mound. The AFL is often a proving ground for future MLB players, and Carlson shares what that environment taught him about preparation, mindset, and growth.

If you’re a Pirates fan, follow the minor leagues, or love hearing directly from MLB prospects about their development, this episode is a must-watch. Dawn on the Farm continues to spotlight the future of Pittsburgh baseball—straight from the players living it.

👉 Subscribe to Bucco Bantr for more Pirates prospect interviews

👍 Like the video if you enjoy farm system content

💬 Comment with which Pirates prospect you want to hear from next

Join us on Discord: https://dubclub.win/af/afl-rep3z/

Follow us on Instagram: @buccobantr

Follow us on Twitter (X): @buccobantr

Follow us on TikTok: @buccobantr

Follow us on Blue Sky: @buccobantr.bsky.social

Subscribe to our YouTube: @buccobantr

Check out Just Baseball here: https://www.justbaseball.com/

Email us your questions: buccobantr@gmail.com

We go live to react to Pittsburgh signing Ryan O’Hearn to a two-year, $29 million deal, marking the organization’s first multi-year free agent contract since Ivan Nova in 2016. What does O’Hearn bring to the lineup, and how does he fit into the Pirates’ 2025 plans?

We break down the contract details, O’Hearn’s recent production, lineup and defensive implications, and what this move signals about the Pirates’ willingness to spend — and compete — this offseason. Is this just the beginning, or the main course?

Join us on Discord: https://dubclub.win/af/afl-rep3z/

Follow us on Instagram: @buccobantr

Follow us on Twitter (X): @buccobantr

Follow us on TikTok: @buccobantr

Follow us on Blue Sky: @buccobantr.bsky.social

Subscribe to our YouTube: @buccobantr

Check out Just Baseball here: https://www.justbaseball.com/

Email us your questions: buccobantr@gmail.com

Adam and Chris take a look at another early 90s film about putting a child into an incredibly stressful line of work- Little Big League. After losing his grandfather, Billy takes the reigns of ownership and ultimately fires a guy to become the new manager of the Minnesota Twins. We also examine the link between baseball movies and dead dads. Turns out it happens a LOT.