Kazuma Okamoto to Toronto. Pirates fans are left staring at the same question: now what? On this episode of Bucco Brew, we break down the Blue Jays landing Kazuma Okamoto on a 4-year, $60 million deal and what it means for Pittsburgh after swinging big and coming up empty. With the “impact bat” still a need, where does the front office pivot if they want to be a real playoff contender in 2026? We dive into the latest buzz on Eugenio Suarez, including Jason Mackey’s reporting that the Pirates have stayed in contact but may not have the winning bid, plus the realistic trade and free agent paths that could actually move the needle. Powered by De Fer Coffee & Tea.

Tonight on The Point, Anthony DiNardo is joined by NS9’s Tyler, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Noah Hiles and Colin Beazley, plus Scott Moore from Bucco Bantr for a full-on Kazuma Okamoto roundtable. With less than 48 hours left for Okamoto to choose an MLB team, we’re putting everyone in the hot seat: if you had the chance to pitch him directly, what’s the best argument for Pittsburgh right now? We’ll break down fit, role, lineup impact, and what the Pirates can realistically offer that other suitors can’t. Then we’ll go on record with predictions: where do we think Okamoto ultimately signs? And if it isn’t the Pirates, we’ll lay out the cleanest pivot paths and who they should target next so this offseason momentum doesn’t stall.

Cody sat down one-on-one with every North Shore Nine member for quick 5–10 minute check-ins to unpack the 2025 Pirates season — the highs, the facepalms, the moments that actually mattered, and what it all means going forward. You’ll hear honest reflection from each voice in the NS9 crew: what surprised us, what frustrated us, what gave us real belief, and what absolutely has to change if 2026 is going to be different.

The Pirates finally added a real bat, and we’re breaking down what the Ryan O’Hearn signing actually means for the 2026 lineup. How does he fit at 1B/DH, what changes on the roster because of it, and is this a “nice move” or the start of something bigger?

On tonight's Sicko Soundoff, Tyler hosts and wants to talk a little about all the recent Pirates offensive additions, but maybe take a look at this pitching depth heading into 2026.

New Pirate Jake Mangum joins North Shore Nine for a “Get To Know” chat after the trade that brought Brandon Lowe, Jake Mangum, & Mason Montgomery to Pittsburgh. We talk first impressions of the deal, what kind of player and teammate he is, and what he’s most excited about with the Pirates and the city. You’ll also hear about his Mississippi roots, the Jackson Prep connection, training alongside Konnor Griffin, his friendship with Adam Frazier, what he values on the field (yes, defense), plus a fun rapid-fire run through music, movies, and more.

The Winter of Ben continues! Ryan O'Hearn signs a 2-year deal worth $29 million (plus incentives) to come play for the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Pirates add another lefty with much needed pop and on-base skills to get them to become a real legit contender in the NL Central.

On this episode of Bucco Brew, we break down the blockbuster deal that sent Mike Burrows out of Pittsburgh and brought back Brandon Lowe, Jake Mangum, and Mason Montgomery. We dive into why this move matters, how Lowe immediately upgrades the offense, what Mangum adds to the lineup mix, and why Montgomery gives the Pirates another intriguing arm.

The Point dives into the Pirates’ blockbuster three-team trade for Brandon Lowe and debates whether it truly signals a shift into win-now mode for 2026. The panel also breaks down if Pittsburgh should pursue Japanese stars Munetaka Murakami or Kazuma Okamoto as the search for lineup upgrades continues.

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)

NS9LIVE! reacts to Jim Bowden’s comments telling Pirates fans to “retire” or switch teams, pushing back on the idea that fandom is disposable while diving into the frustration surrounding small-market baseball . The crew also debates the risk and upside of Munetaka Murakami, trade chatter around Mark Vientos, and what actually qualifies as a needle-moving move for the Pirates this offseason .

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.

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.

NS9LIVE! wraps the Winter Meetings from Orlando, breaking down the Pirates’ missed swing on Kyle Schwarber, the Gregory Soto signing, the Baumler Rule 5 flip, and rising chatter around Brandon Lowe, Jorge Polanco, and potential trade fits with Houston. The guys look ahead at what move has to come next for a team insisting this offseason will be different.

The AMA with Stephen Nesbitt breaks down why the Pirates are suddenly relevant at the Winter Meetings and what their offseason path realistically looks like, from big-name pursuits to smart, medium-sized upgrades. Nesbitt gives a national perspective on Pittsburgh’s plans, priorities, and pressure points heading into 2026.

Jose Negron joined NS9 live from the Winter Meetings to break down the Pirates’ offseason priorities, from the likelihood of a multi-year deal to how aggressive they’ll get on bats like Polanco, O’Hearn, or even bigger names via trade. He also weighed in on bullpen roles, rotation depth concerns after the Oviedo move, and what “execution” really has to look like for this offseason to be considered a turning point.

The NS9 AMA with Alex Stumpf delivered one of the most detailed looks yet at the Pirates’ Winter Meetings approach, highlighting their aggressive push for Jorge Polanco, why Kyle Schwarber was their “perfect” target, and how the team plans to spread resources across multiple bats. Stumpf also clarified key rumors, from Cattell Marte’s no-trade list to the real seriousness of the Schwarber offer.

The Pirates made a Winter Meetings splash by signing two-time All-Star lefty Gregory Soto, and we’re breaking down what his stuff, role, and upside mean for the 2026 bullpen. DiNardo and Jim react live from Orlando with instant analysis, context, and what this move signals for the rest of the offseason.

Anthony and Jim break down a tough Day 2 at the Winter Meetings as the Pirates miss on Kyle Schwarber, lose pitching director Jeremy Bleich, and fall to No. 5 in the draft lottery. They also share insights from their conversations with Don Kelly, JJ Cooper, Jolly Olive, and Jason Mackey.

Jason Mackey joined NS9 live from the Winter Meetings to break down a whirlwind day for the Pirates, from losing pitching director Jeremy Bleich to the fallout of the draft lottery and the reality behind the Kyle Schwarber offer. He also detailed potential moves ahead, the organization’s shifting reputation, and how Paul Skenes is influencing the offseason.