PROVE: Gary Morgan COMPARES Pittsburgh Pirates and Phillies, REVEALS 2026 Potential Trade Targets

Pittsburgh Pirates go toe-to-toe with the Philadelphia Phillies, raising questions about just how close these squads are in the NL hierarchy. Can a surging Esmerlyn Valdez and a resilient lineup close the perceived gap—and is a second-half playoff push in sight? Gary Morgan breaks down the Pirates’ comeback win and tough loss, spotlights Valdez’s breakout power, and debates if veteran Marcell Ozuna’s days are numbered with Oneil Cruz and Spencer Horwitz nearing returns. Key topics include critical bullpen concerns, a bold list of MLB trade targets—from Luke Weaver to Aroldis Chapman—and how the Pirates’ roster depth could shape their 2026 outlook. Gary Morgan questions the conventional lefty/righty platoon approach, analyzes Brandon Lowe’s impact, and explores the club’s willingness to trade competitive balance picks to address urgent needs. Can Paul Skenes end the Pirates’ unlucky streak and help prove this team belongs among contenders?Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub   Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!   Amazon This Back To School Season, spend less on your kids, with Amazon. With Amazon’s low Back To School Prices, just spend less on your kids. Because every dollar you don’t spend on them, is a dollar you haven’t spent on them.    KALSHI For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything. Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now.   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) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.