Pittsburgh Pirates swing big but face an icy reception on the MLB market. Can breaking the ice with a bold signing truly change their reputation—or just make them look foolish? Gary Morgan examines the Pirates’ aggressive pursuits of Jorge Polanco, Adolis Garcia, and Kyle Schwarber, spotlighting the team’s willingness to outbid rivals and the risks of overpaying for players who may not move the needle.

Key talking points include the difference between smart and desperate spending, the challenge of escaping Pittsburgh’s reputation as MLB’s perennial patsy, and strategy for future roster upgrades. From no-trade clauses to lineup construction, speed concerns, and potential targets like Stephen Kwan and Cody Bellinger, Gary Morgan explores the tough choices facing GM Ben Cherington. Are the Pirates finally ready to be taken seriously—or just setting themselves up for another disappointment?

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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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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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FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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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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Pittsburgh Pirates and Cincinnati Reds fans are left frustrated as both teams come up empty in the Kyle Schwarber sweepstakes, raising questions about organizational ambition and offseason strategy. Gary Morgan and Jeff Carr break down the high-stakes pursuit of Schwarber, puzzling front office decisions, and the challenges facing NL Central rivals with limited budgets. Can either team finally make a bold move, or will fans endure yet another season of unfulfilled potential?

Key discussion points include missed opportunities with stars like Cody Bellinger and Eugenio Suárez, the critical importance of internal development for players like Cabrian Hayes, Elly De La Cruz, and top prospects, and whether strategic signings or trades could change the narrative. With the 2026 window looming large, Gary Morgan and Jeff Carr explore what it will take for the Reds and Pirates to actually contend—or if they’ll remain stuck waiting for a breakthrough.

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Gametime
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FanDuel
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FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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