Advertise on podcast: North Shore Nine: A Pittsburgh Pirates Podcast

The Pirates have traded starting pitching to make their biggest offseason moves two winters in a row. But is that strategy running out of steam? On today’s OffBeat, Alex Stumpf examines whether Pittsburgh still has the pitching depth to pull off another significant trade. Mitch Keller and Carmen Mlodzinski could be options, but what would moving either mean for the rotation? Alex also breaks down the next wave of pitchers, including Khristian Curtis, Hunter Barco, Wilber Dotel and Antwone Kelly, and whether any could bring back the kind of return Pittsburgh has gotten in previous deals. Read Alex’s Book Rule Bucs: https://bookrulebucs.substack.com/ Download the NS9 app: https://northshorenine.com/get-app Today’s sponsor: Larine Co. — Save up to 50% at https://buylarine.com/northshore #Pirates #PittsburghPirates #MLB Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Should the Pittsburgh Pirates consider trading Spencer Horwitz this offseason? On today's OffBeat, Alex Stumpf examines Horwitz's dramatic first-half and second-half splits, the Pirates' depth at first base with Ryan O'Hearn, and why a weak free-agent market could create an opportunity to improve the 2027 roster. Alex also explores how a proposed MLB CBA change could affect Horwitz's remaining team control and why Pittsburgh should consider a major league-for-major league trade rather than moving him for prospects. Read Alex Stumpf's Book Rule Bucs: https://bookrulebucs.substack.com/ Download our app! : https://apps.apple.com/us/app/north-shore-nine/id6771171000 : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.northshorenine.app Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9ZY250XUYiS-yX7xOQCdLA/join Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee Use Promo Code NORTHSHORENINE for $20 off your first order at https://www.seatgeek.com LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the show! NS9 MERCH: https://northshorenine.myshopify.com ►Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NorthShoreNine ►Website: https://www.northshorenine.com ►Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/northshorenine ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@northshorenine ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorenine ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northshorenine ►Discord: https://discord.gg/3HVYPg544m #pittsburghpirates Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Should the Pirates bring back Brandon Lowe, or would they be better off spending that money elsewhere? On this week's Bucco Brew, we're putting two free agents head-to-head in a blind comparison. We'll look at their 2027 projections, expected contracts, and potential impact on the Pirates before revealing who they are. Which player would you rather have? Then, with MLB's GM Meetings getting underway, each host brings one trade target they believe Ben Cherington should pursue this offseason. We'll wrap things up with quick hitters from around the Pirates and MLB. Powered by De Fer Coffee & Tea. Use code NS930 for 30% off your order. Download our app! : https://apps.apple.com/us/app/north-shore-nine/id6771171000 : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.northshorenine.app Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee Use Promo Code NORTHSHORENINE for $20 off your first order at https://www.seatgeek.com LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the show! NS9 MERCH: https://northshorenine.myshopify.com ►Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NorthShoreNine ►Website: https://www.northshorenine.com ►Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/northshorenine ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@northshorenine ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorenine ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northshorenine ►Discord: https://discord.gg/3HVYPg544m #pittsburghpirates Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Could the looming MLB lockout actually help the Pittsburgh Pirates keep Brandon Lowe? On today's OffBeat, Alex Stumpf examines how a potentially slow free agent market could create an unexpected opportunity for Pittsburgh. With Lowe facing a qualifying offer decision and uncertainty surrounding the next CBA, the Pirates may have a chance to bring back one of their most important hitters. But that opportunity won't last forever. Alex explains why the Pirates need to act early, what a potential contract could look like, and why waiting until after the lockout could cost them. Read Alex Stumpf's Book Rule Bucs: https://bookrulebucs.substack.com/ Download our app! : https://apps.apple.com/us/app/north-shore-nine/id6771171000 : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.northshorenine.app Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9ZY250XUYiS-yX7xOQCdLA/join Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee Use Promo Code NORTHSHORENINE for $20 off your first order at https://www.seatgeek.com LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the show! NS9 MERCH: https://northshorenine.myshopify.com ►Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NorthShoreNine ►Website: https://www.northshorenine.com ►Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/northshorenine ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@northshorenine ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorenine ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northshorenine ►Discord: https://discord.gg/3HVYPg544m #pittsburghpirates Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Should the Pittsburgh Pirates give Murf Gray their starting third-base job in 2027? Alex Stumpf explains why he’s not ready to make that gamble, even after Gray’s impressive 2026 minor league season. In this Friday edition of OffBeat, Alex answers your Pirates mailbag questions, including: Why Murf Gray shouldn’t be Pittsburgh’s Opening Day plan at third base Whether the Pirates will make moves before December 1 What went wrong for Jhostynxon Garcia in 2026 Can Pittsburgh land another impact player from Japan or Korea? Could Seth Hernandez reach the majors in 2027? Should Esmerlyn Valdez play first base against left-handed pitching? Have a question for next Friday’s mailbag? Leave it in the comments! Read Alex Stumpf’s Book Rule Bucs: https://bookrulebucs.substack.com/ Download the FREE NS9 App: https://northshorenine.com/get-app Support North Shore Nine: https://northshorenine.com Today’s sponsor: Larine Co. Get up to 50% off at https://buylarine.com/northshore #Pirates #PittsburghPirates #MurfGray #MLB #OffBeat Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Pirates' 2027 promotional schedule is out, but Dollar Dog Night is nowhere to be found. So we came up with some giveaway ideas of our own. Welcome to Ahoy Matey!, the newest show from North Shore Nine, hosted by Cody Kohlman and Nate Osler. We're leaving the trade rumors and roster debates behind to talk about the fun, weird, and sometimes ridiculous side of Pirates baseball. In our first episode, we're breaking down the 2027 promotions, predicting the three mystery bobbleheads, and pitching our own dream giveaways. A Lake Bachar wig? A talking Jared Jones bobblehead? A Mike Tomlin Minecraft figurine? We've got some ideas. Cody and Nate each picked their three favorite imaginary giveaways. Watch the episode and tell us in the comments who wins. Download our app! : https://apps.apple.com/us/app/north-shore-nine/id6771171000 : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.northshorenine.app Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9ZY250XUYiS-yX7xOQCdLA/join Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee Use Promo Code NORTHSHORENINE for $20 off your first order at https://www.seatgeek.com LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the show! NS9 MERCH: https://northshorenine.myshopify.com ►Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NorthShoreNine ►Website: https://www.northshorenine.com ►Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/northshorenine ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@northshorenine ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorenine ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northshorenine ►Discord: https://discord.gg/3HVYPg544m #pittsburghpirates Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Are the Pittsburgh Pirates finally becoming a legitimate destination in MLB free agency? Alex Stumpf breaks down MLB Trade Rumors' top 50 free-agent predictions, which connect the Pirates to Brandon Lowe, JoJo Romero, J.P. Crawford and Robbie Ray. Which players actually make sense for Pittsburgh, and what would these additions mean for the 2027 roster? Plus, why a David Bednar reunion isn't realistic, the problem with trading Mitch Keller just to clear salary, and why the Pirates may finally have something more to offer free agents than playing time. CHAPTERS 00:00 What MLB experts think the Pirates need 01:07 Four free agents linked to Pittsburgh 01:34 Can the Pirates bring back Brandon Lowe? 02:49 JoJo Romero and the bullpen 03:48 J.P. Crawford and the infield 04:34 Robbie Ray and Mitch Keller's future 07:41 Larine Co. 08:46 Why David Bednar isn't coming back 10:26 Pittsburgh's bullpen priorities 10:54 Are the Pirates becoming a destination? 11:53 What Pittsburgh can offer free agents MORE FROM NORTH SHORE NINE Download the FREE NS9 App: https://northshorenine.com/get-app Read Alex Stumpf's Book Rule Bucs: https://bookrulebucs.substack.com/ Larine Co. | Save up to 50%: https://buylarine.com/northshore Subscribe for daily Pittsburgh Pirates coverage, analysis, interviews and more from North Shore Nine. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Could MLB's latest labor proposal finally force the Pittsburgh Pirates to spend? With a proposed $180 million salary floor and major changes to baseball's financial structure, we break down what it could mean for Bob Nutting, Ben Cherington, and the future of the organization. Jason Mackey of MLB.com joins us for the first 15 minutes to discuss his recent trip to Bradenton for the Pirates' Forge development camp. We'll talk about what he learned, which prospects stood out, and what it all means for Pittsburgh's future. Plus, we'll discuss the Pirates' early offseason moves, Brandon Lowe's free agency, potential roster additions, and introduce the brand-new NS9 Arcade, where Pirates fans can compete in daily games and challenges! Enter the NS9 Play: https://northshorenine.com/play Download our app! : https://apps.apple.com/us/app/north-shore-nine/id6771171000 : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.northshorenine.app Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee Use Promo Code NORTHSHORENINE for $20 off your first order at https://www.seatgeek.com LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the show! NS9 MERCH: https://northshorenine.myshopify.com ►Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NorthShoreNine ►Website: https://www.northshorenine.com ►Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/northshorenine ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@northshorenine ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorenine ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northshorenine ►Discord: https://discord.gg/3HVYPg544m #pittsburghpirates Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Pittsburgh Pirates may have just four weeks to make the moves that define their 2027 season. With MLB proposing to delay a potential salary cap and floor until 2028 and a lockout looming, waiting until February could leave Pittsburgh in a familiar position. Alex Stumpf breaks down the Pirates' troubling track record of late free-agent signings under Ben Cherington. Fifteen players, $40.5 million spent and just 0.7 combined WAR. Why has waiting been so costly? Can the Pirates address their remaining roster needs before a potential lockout? And what would spending money now tell us about Bob Nutting's commitment to winning in 2027? Read Alex Stumpf's work at Book Rule Bucs: https://bookrulebucs.substack.com/ CHAPTERS 00:10 MLB's latest salary cap proposal 01:34 Why last offseason's early moves worked 02:38 Pittsburgh's February signing problems 04:00 $40.5 million spent for just 0.7 WAR 05:26 Why the looming lockout matters 06:27 The Pirates' November transaction history 08:59 A word from Larine Co. 10:04 Payroll concerns and remaining roster needs 12:17 What spending now would signal 14:20 Why the Pirates cannot afford to wait Download our app! : https://apps.apple.com/us/app/north-shore-nine/id6771171000 : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.northshorenine.app Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9ZY250XUYiS-yX7xOQCdLA/join Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee Use Promo Code NORTHSHORENINE for $20 off your first order at https://www.seatgeek.com LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the show! NS9 MERCH: https://northshorenine.myshopify.com ►Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NorthShoreNine ►Website: https://www.northshorenine.com ►Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/northshorenine ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@northshorenine ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorenine ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northshorenine ►Discord: https://discord.gg/3HVYPg544m #pittsburghpirates Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

MLB Pipeline’s Sam Dykstra joins Jim Rosati live from Camelback Ranch at the Arizona Fall League to break down the next wave of Pittsburgh Pirates prospects. Dykstra explains why Wyatt Sanford’s added power has changed his prospect outlook and could put him in the Top 100 conversation in 2027. They also dive into Seth Hernandez’s ceiling, how quickly Murf Gray could push toward Pittsburgh, Edward Florentino’s upside, Easton Carmichael, the Pirates’ 2026 draft class and the ridiculous raw power of Tony Blanco Jr. Plus, what does Pittsburgh falling from the No. 3 farm system to No. 13 actually say about the organization after graduating players like Konnor Griffin and Bubba Chandler? Download our app! : https://apps.apple.com/us/app/north-shore-nine/id6771171000 : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.northshorenine.app Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9ZY250XUYiS-yX7xOQCdLA/join Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee Use Promo Code NORTHSHORENINE for $20 off your first order at https://www.seatgeek.com LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the show! NS9 MERCH: https://northshorenine.myshopify.com ►Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NorthShoreNine ►Website: https://www.northshorenine.com ►Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/northshorenine ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@northshorenine ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorenine ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northshorenine ►Discord: https://discord.gg/3HVYPg544m #pittsburghpirates Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Pirates have extended Brandon Lowe a $23.15 million qualifying offer, but that’s only the beginning of what could become one of Pittsburgh’s biggest decisions of the offseason. Alex Stumpf breaks down Lowe’s potential free-agent market, the massive gap between early contract projections, which teams could compete with the Pirates and why a deal around four years and $75–80 million may ultimately make sense. With 2027 shaping up as a pivotal season for Pittsburgh, how much long-term risk should the Pirates be willing to take to keep him? Read more from Alex at Book Rule Bucs: https://bookrulebucs.substack.com/ Download the North Shore Nine app: https://northshorenine.com/get-app Larine Co. is offering NS9 listeners up to 50% off: https://buylarine.com/northshore Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

MLB free agency is officially here, but the Pirates’ offseason might not be solved simply by spending on the open market. DiNardo and Jim break down Pittsburgh’s biggest decisions, including Brandon Lowe’s qualifying offer and potential market, whether Gregory Soto is worth bringing back, what Mitch Keller’s future means for the rotation and why the Pirates desperately need to improve against left-handed pitching. And if Lowe leaves, can the Pirates actually replace his 35 home runs? The guys discuss Edmundo Sosa, the trade market and why Pittsburgh may need to find its next impact bat somewhere other than free agency. Download our app! : https://apps.apple.com/us/app/north-shore-nine/id6771171000 : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.northshorenine.app Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee Use Promo Code NORTHSHORENINE for $20 off your first order at https://www.seatgeek.com LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the show! NS9 MERCH: https://northshorenine.myshopify.com ►Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NorthShoreNine ►Website: https://www.northshorenine.com ►Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/northshorenine ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@northshorenine ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorenine ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northshorenine ►Discord: https://discord.gg/3HVYPg544m #pittsburghpirates Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Carmen Mlodzinski enters the offseason without a clear spot in the Pirates’ rotation, but that could make him one of Pittsburgh’s most interesting trade chips. Alex Stumpf looks at Mlodzinski’s value in a thin pitching market, why his three years of control and projected $1.6 million salary matter, and whether the Pirates could use him to acquire the impact bat their roster still needs. Read more from Alex Stumpf at Book Rule Bucs: https://bookrulebucs.substack.com/ Download the North Shore Nine app: https://northshorenine.com/get-app Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Could 2027 really be Paul Skenes’ final season with the Pirates? Alex Stumpf answers your questions on another Friday OffBeat mailbag, including what could happen with Skenes if the Pirates fail again in 2027, what still needs to change with Henry Davis’ swing, who could be Pittsburgh’s next extension candidate and how the looming MLB lockout could impact this offseason. OffBeat is presented by FanDuel. Larine Co. is offering North Shore Nine listeners up to 50% off at buylarine.com/northshore. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Milwaukee Brewers just won the World Series — in baseball’s smallest market. Alex Stumpf looks at what Milwaukee’s championship actually says about the Pittsburgh Pirates, why payroll alone can’t explain the difference between the two organizations, and how the Brewers built a sustainable winner through development, coaching, trades and organizational culture. In this episode: Why Milwaukee’s championship was years in the making What the Brewers proved about winning in a small market Why Quinn Priester is an example of the organizational difference What Pittsburgh can — and can’t — blame on payroll Why Alex expects Milwaukee to remain a contender OffBeat is a daily look at the Pittsburgh Pirates from North Shore Nine. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.