SINKING SHIP: Pittsburgh Pirates Playoff Hopes SLIP Away Before Oneil Cruz Ever Returns

Pittsburgh Pirates’ playoff hopes sink after another tough series loss, despite flashes from stars like Oneil Cruz and Esmerlyn Valdez. Can the Bucs find a miracle run as the postseason slips further away? Gary Morgan evaluates the frustrating inconsistency in offense, persistent injuries, and recent struggles from Brandon Lau and Brian Reynolds that have derailed the season’s trajectory. Prospect buzz heats up as attention turns to future impact players such as Password Garcia, Duce Gorson, Mitch Jebb, and Termarr Johnson. Which young talents could form the next core by 2027? Gary Morgan breaks down their potential roles, defensive versatility, and what the Pirates need to address with looming roster uncertainties. Plus, looming labor worries cast doubt on the league’s future—will this season be baseball’s last chapter for a while? Don’t miss the essential analysis for any Pittsburgh Pirates fan still holding out hope.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.  Stance Check out the ICON collection from Stance—premium comfort, performance, and durability designed for whatever your day brings.  Use promo Code LOCKEDON at checkout for 20% off your purchase.  Learn more at https://Stance.com. Stance. The Official Sock Partner of Major League Baseball. Dose Daily Ready to give your liver the support it deserves? Head to https://DoseDaily.co/LOCKEDONMLB or enter LOCKEDONMLB to get 35% off your first subscription.  Odoo Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon. Clutch Parlays Go to https://ClutchParlays.com today and use code LOCKEDON for your first month free on a monthly plan. Pick Smarter. Parlay Sharper.    KALSHI For a limited time, Download the Kalshi app and use code [LOCKEDON] to get $10 when you trade $10.    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. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COMto play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season.    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.