Pittsburgh Pirates ignite fierce competition within the roster, forcing players like Spencer Horwitz, Brandon Lpwe, and Oneil Cruz to fight for their jobs or add versatility. Is job security a myth in Pittsburgh’s clubhouse, or the engine driving their revival?

Gary Morgan explores the rising impact of Jake Mangum—the division’s new “dirty work artist”—and how a crowded outfield and deep bench signal a culture shift. Key topics include major league-caliber depth at nearly every position, strategic free-agent signings, and the critical Pirates vs. Reds rotation battle featuring Paul Skenes and Hunter Greene. With proven arms clashing against raw talent, can the Pirates outpace Cincinnati’s rotation and deliver on their highest ceiling yet? Don’t miss this detailed breakdown of Pittsburgh’s roster evolution and what it means for their stakes in the NL Central.

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This episode of is brought to you by MLB The Show 26. Visit mlbthe.show/lockedon and use code “LOCKEDON” to unlock a pack for use in Diamond Dynasty. Pre-Order now, Available March 17th on PlayStation 5, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. RATED E FOR EVERYONE.

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The Pittsburgh Pirates are moving into the next phase of building into a contender which means this offseason they must do a few things. It starts with improving the Pirates pitching staff.

Also, the second part of the Pirates offseason plan may be hard for some to accept but it is crucial. And the Pirates sweeping the Kansas City Royals has them primed to pass a key marker for the 2023 MLB season against the St Louis Cardinals.

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Locked On MLB League-Wide: Every Team, Prospects & More

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The Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Kansas City Royals last night after the bats woke up late. The big topic for today is why the Pirates rebuild is over. What technically is a rebuild? Gary Morgan details that and why the Pirates are moving into the next phase.

Also, why there are reasons for optimism with the Pirates and why this Pirates rebuild has been different.

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Johan Oviedo accomplished something that is rare for the Pittsburgh Pirates and MLB. His complete game shutout of the Kansas City Royals shows why Oviedo is a big part of the Pirates future. The game also showed a weakness for the Pirates.

That weakness is the Pirates hitting approach and it is time for Andy Haines to go. The Pirates lack of success at the plate with their young hitters is also a problem when you consider the Cincinnati Reds have a team full of young players succeeding.

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Pittsburgh Pirates Pitching Woes are largely self inflicted. How did the Pirates get here with Roansy Contreras and Luis Ortiz taking a step back and the rotation being largely in flux? Can it be fixed quickly or is this an organizational problem the Pirates must address? Gary Morgan and Jeff Carr fill in for Ethan Smith.

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What’s stopping the St Louis Cardinals from repeating as NL Central champs again this season? There are multiple reasons to doubt a repeat division crown for St Louis and we’ll tell you why! Why WON’T the Cardinals win the Central? Will the Chicago Cubs figure out who they are and take that step forward they’ve been selling to their fans? What do we make of the Milwaukee Brewers? Will the Pittsburgh Pirates or Cincinnati Reds do more than play spoiler this year? Who will win the worst division in MLB?

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Can the Pittsburgh Pirates’ defense silence early critics and anchor a playoff push? Gary Morgan spotlights how key additions like Ryan O’Hearn and Brandon Lau, plus position shakeups with Oneil Cruz and Bryan Reynolds, are reshaping the outfield and infield dynamics. Questions loom over defensive reliability, but upgrades at several spots and the emergence of Jake Mangum and Michael Garcia offer hope for a steadier glove game at PNC Park.

Fresh leadership under Don Kelly’s new coaching staff brings Houston’s data-driven pitching philosophy and much-needed organizational consistency. Gary Morgan addresses the impact of ABS (automated balls and strikes), what Adam Rubin’s hiring means for fans, and bullpen wild cards like Bedouin. Will better communication, sharper fundamentals, and a reset coaching staff finally change the Pirates’ defensive narrative? This episode is a must-listen for Pittsburgh Pirates fans eager to see if 2026 marks a turning point.

Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

Turbo Tax
For a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life.
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Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

Gametime
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FanDuel
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Pittsburgh Pirates fans are buzzing as Paul Skenes faces his “worst” outing—four walks and four strikeouts, yet zero runs allowed. Is efficiency the last piece missing for the ace to become unstoppable? Gary Morgan spotlights Skenes’ spring struggles, questions his pitch-to-contact potential, and examines how maximizing innings can supercharge the Pirates' contention hopes in 2026.

The episode also tackles Oneil Cruz’s evolving approach at the plate, defensive challenges, and how Cruz’s ability to cover the zone could redefine his impact this year. Morgan scrutinizes Derek Shelton’s managerial return with the Minnesota Twins, discussing familiar roster issues and the legacy of coaching amid talent droughts. With key insights on roster decisions and spring training performance, Locked On Pirates delivers a smart, candid take on the players and strategies shaping Pittsburgh’s baseball future.

Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

Turbo Tax
For a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life.
Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.

Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel
Use your Profit Boost on an NBA future and get entered for your chance to win a trip to the NBA Finals.
Play your game with FanDuel, the official sports betting partner of the NBA. Visit https://FANDUEL.COMto get started.

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