The latest episode of The Point delivered one of the most engaging debates of the offseason as the panel broke down the Pirates’ blockbuster three-team trade for Brandon Lowe and what it signals about the organization’s direction. With John Perrotto, Stephen Nesbitt, Kody Duncan, and Doug “Dougie Fresh” weighing in, the conversation centered on whether this move truly shifts expectations for 2026 or simply raises the floor. The group discussed Lowe’s impact as a proven left-handed power bat, the cost of dealing Mike Burrows, and whether this trade represents a real “win-now” pivot or just the beginning. From there, the focus shifted overseas, debating whether the Pirates should aggressively pursue Japanese stars Munetaka Murakami or Kazuma Okamoto to address their glaring infield needs. Strong opinions, sharp analysis, and plenty of pushback made this a must-watch episode, capped off by a live audience vote to crown the night’s winner.

Watch or listen to the full episode now and join the debate on YouTube and your favorite podcast platform.

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BREAKING: Pirates in HUGE 3-Team Trade Talks! | Lowe to Pittsburgh! Burrows to Astros! ‍️️

What this means for the Pirates lineup
How Lowe’s power bat fits Pittsburgh’s needs
What losing Burrows could mean for the rotation
Who else is involved? (Jake Mangum, Mason Montgomery)

What do YOU think? Comment below:
Should the Pirates give up Burrows for Lowe?
Is this a win or a stretch?

Subscribe for Pirates trade alerts, breaking news, and roster analysis!

#Pirates #MLBTrade #BrandonLowe #MikeBurrows #Astros #Rays #MLB #PiratesNews #TradeTalks #BaseballPodcast

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On the latest episode of NS9LIVE!, the conversation centered on what it means to be a Pittsburgh Pirates fan in today’s baseball landscape and why recent commentary around small-market teams struck such a nerve. The crew reacted strongly to Jim Bowden’s suggestion that frustrated fans should simply “retire” or switch allegiances, pushing back on the idea that fandom is disposable or conditional on winning.

From there, the discussion shifted into real baseball questions, including the Pirates’ continued struggles to land impact hitters and the looming decision surrounding Munetaka Murakami. With Murakami required to sign by Monday or return to Japan, the panel debated the risk versus reward of investing heavily in an international power bat, diving into strikeout concerns, upside, age, and whether this is a gamble the Pirates should take.

The episode also touched on trade possibilities, including Mark Vientos, and what actually qualifies as a meaningful move for a team desperate for offense. As always, NS9LIVE! blended strong opinions, analytics, humor, and fan perspective into an honest reflection of where the Pirates stand right now.

Watch or listen to the full episode of NS9LIVE on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform and join the conversation with us.

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We’re breaking down the Pittsburgh Pirates’ Winter Meetings results... or lack thereof.

After all the hype in Orlando, did the Bucs actually do anything meaningful?

We talk about:
• The Pirates’ Winter Meetings — lots of talk, very little impact.
• Pittsburgh reportedly offered Kyle Schwarber a huge contract only to miss out while the slugger re-signed elsewhere.
• What did the Pirates actually get? A bullpen piece and… not much else.
• Are Ben Cherington & Co. actually serious about winning — or just playing offseason theatre?
• What this all means for Paul Skenes and the rest of the roster going into 2026.

Your questions/comments welcome — drop ’em live!
#Pirates #MLB #BuccoBrew #WinterMeetings

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Fresh off the 2025 MLB Winter Meetings in Orlando, DiNardo host this week's Sicko Soundoff to hear fans reactions. The Pirates came in hot after a trade with Boston for Jhostynxon Garcia as well as lots of talk of being in on Kyle Schwarber, the Pirates left the meetings without a bat but instead a lefty reliever in Gregory Soto.

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NS9LIVE! closed out its final night at the Winter Meetings with a fast-paced, wide-ranging breakdown of everything the Pirates did — and didn’t — get done in Orlando. The show opened with the headline everyone’s talking about: Pittsburgh’s aggressive push for Kyle Schwarber, a real offer north of $100 million that still couldn’t keep him from returning to Philadelphia. From there, the conversation shifted to the Pirates’ actual moves, including the signing of Gregory Soto to bolster the bullpen and the savvy Rule 5 flip of Carter Baumler for cash and a young arm the front office believes it can mold.

But the heart of the episode focused on what comes next. Brandon Lowe trade talks are heating up, Jorge Polanco appears to be the club’s most serious target, and the Astros’ interest in pitching could spark discussions around bats like Isaac Paredes. Throughout the show, Jim and DiNardo emphasized that while the Pirates talked big all week, now comes the part where they must actually execute.

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The AMA with Stephen Nesbitt of The Athletic gave us one of the clearest looks yet at how the Pirates are approaching this offseason. Nesbitt explained why Pittsburgh’s presence at the Winter Meetings actually feels different this year, what’s real about their interest in bigger bats, and why the pressure to win in 2026 is shaping every move they consider. From potential fits like Brandon Lowe or Colton Cowser to the evolving philosophy inside the organization, Stephen brought a sharp, national lens to a team suddenly in the middle of the conversation.

If you want a grounded, insightful read on where the Pirates truly stand, this is the breakdown you need.

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The latest NS9 AMA with Jose Negron of DK Pittsburgh Sports delivered one of the clearest pictures yet of where the Pirates truly stand at the Winter Meetings. Jose discussed why a multi-year contract finally feels likely, how the Schwarber offer signaled a real shift in intent, and which free-agent bats — from Jorge Polanco to Ryan O’Hearn — actually make sense for Pittsburgh. He dug into bullpen roles after the Gregory Soto addition, the dilemma of trading arms like Keller, Burrows, or Barco, and what the front office must "execute" for this offseason to be considered a genuine turning point.

If you want the full context, insight, and fan Q&A, watch or listen to the full AMA now and join the conversation.

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