On today’s Bucco Brew, we dive head-first into this years non-tender class — more than 80 players hitting the market at once, including legit starters, bullpen arms, catchers, and a few shocker names nobody expected to become available.

The Point returns with Kevin Gorman (Tribune-Review), Adam Shorr (Bucco Bantr), and Nathan and DiNardo from North Shore Nine to debate if we are actually buying that the Pirates will be big spenders this offseason. Also, what moves are we making to build the 2026 Pirates into a contender?

We’re joined by Dan Szymborski — the creator of ZiPS — to break down his brand-new 2026 Pittsburgh Pirates projections and what they reveal about the roster, the core, and the future direction of the team. We’ll hit every surprise, every red flag, and every big projection straight from the guy who built ZiPS.

Jim and Tyler break down the Pirates making ten Rule 5–related roster moves — who was added, who wasn’t, what surprised them, and how it all fits into the Pirates’ PR push and Opening Day messaging.

Doug fill in for DiNardo this week as he and Jim break down some recent Pirates news before diving into the 40-man roster decisions that need to be made before Tuesday's deadline to protect players from the Rule 5 Draft.

This episode breaks down Baseball America’s new Top 10 Pirates Prospects list and explains why the farm system is deeper and more exciting than it’s been in years. From breakout bats to frontline arms, Jim digs into who could make the biggest impact in 2026 and beyond.

Tonight’s main topic: Paul Skenes wins the Cy Young. What does it mean for the Pirates? For 2026? For the long-term direction of the franchise? Our panel digs into it all.

The window is finally cracking open in Pittsburgh, but will the Pirates actually spend enough to match it? We’re breaking down the BA article on Skenes and Konnor Griffin, Ben Cherington’s comments about “spending a little,” and the noise around Skenes and the Yankees. Join us live for real reactions and a full Pirates deep dive.

Eric Longenhagen of Fangraphs sat down with us while at the Arizona Fall League. We talked prospects such as Konnor Griffin, Seth Hernandez, Edward Florentino, and more.

Former Pirates pitcher Luis Ortiz has been arrested and indicted alongside Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase in a shocking federal sports betting and pitch-rigging scandal. We break down the full indictment, explain how the scheme allegedly worked, and discuss what it means for Major League Baseball’s integrity moving forward.

This episode of The Point dives into what the Pittsburgh Pirates need to do this offseason to compete in 2026, featuring John Perrotto, Jose Negron, Platinum Key, and Doug from North Shore Nine. The panel debates Konnor Griffin’s timeline to the majors, whether Mitch Keller should be traded, and realistic free-agent targets — all while demanding that ownership finally prove it’s serious about winning.

The Pittsburgh Pirates made a plethora of moves today. We discuss all of them and what they mean as Free Agency officially begins.

Barry Bonds is officially back on the Hall of Fame ballot — and tonight on NS9LIVE, we’re breaking down what it means for Pittsburgh, for baseball, and for one of the most polarizing careers in MLB history. We’ll also dive into the Pirates placing Ji Hwan Bae, Liover Peguero, and Jack Little on waivers, the new Arizona Fall League Home Run Derby featuring Esmerlyn Valdez and Tony Blanco Jr., and wrap up with a look at this year’s Pirates fan survey results.

We are joined by Sam Dykstra of MLB Pipeline while we were at the Arizona Fall League. Sam gives his update on some of the interesting prospects in the Pirates system such as Konnor Griffin, Bubba Chandler, Hunter Barco, and more.

The Dodgers have done it again — back-to-back World Series titles. But at what cost? On this week’s Bucco Brew, we’re asking the question every baseball fan’s thinking: are the Dodgers ruining the sport? We break down how their endless payroll, development machine, and dominance are reshaping MLB—and what it means for small-market teams like the Pirates.

The Pirates made a few coaching/front office moves this week. They brought in former Astros pitching coach to fill the role left vacant by Oscar Marin. Jim, DiNardo, and Tyler discuss why there is optimism with this move and how Bill Murphy is viewed and what he brings to the table in Pittsburgh. The Pirates also moved on from John Baker as what was described as a mutual decision. But, we also start the convo tonight with the news that Derek Shelton will become the new manager of the Minnesota Twins.

While we were in Arizona we caught up with Baseball America's Jesus Cano to dive into what he has been seeing from the Pirates prospects in the AFL. With the dominant start from Esmerlyn Valdez, to the power from Tony Blanco Jr., as well as which pitchers are showing him some promise.

Jim and DiNardo discuss the loss of Justin Horowitz, who was named Assistant General Manager for the Nationals last week. What does that mean for the Pirates going forward? They also touch on what the 2026 payroll looks like and project how and where they will end up come Opening Day.

The Pirates’ 2025 season was a frustrating mix of promising underlying metrics and disappointing outcomes. Their team expected wOBA (xwOBA) suggested they were doing far more damage than their actual numbers showed.

Jim, Tyler, & DiNardo wrap up their time at the Arizona Fall League by each giving their biggest takeaway. It's no surprise that Esmerlyn Valdez & Tony Blanco Jr. were the talk of the league so far. Listen to what each have to say from their visit.