CONTENDER: Pirates’ Stats PROVE it's OK to BELIEVE
From Locked On Pirates - Daily Podcast On The Pittsburgh Pirates by Locked On Podcast Network, Gary Morgan
April 21, 2026 · 36 min · Episode 1169
About this episode
Gary Morgan discusses the Pittsburgh Pirates' strong performance and potential to win the NL Central, highlighting key players and addressing fan questions.
Pittsburgh Pirates silence doubters as elite offense and pitching fuel their ascent—can this be the year they win the NL Central? Gary Morgan spotlights how the Pirates’ consistent production from stars like Oneil Cruz, Bryan Reynolds, Ryan O’Hearn, and rising prospects such as Konnor Griffin and Nick Yorke separates this team from past disappointments. With a collective .253 team batting average and a top-four OPS, the Pirates’ lineup proves it’s more than just a hot streak. On the mound, Paul Skenes and Bubba Chandler lead a pitching staff tied for second in MLB ERA, while a +25 run differential signals real contender status. Key topics include bullpen reliability, division rivals’ sustainability, and whether Pirates fans should finally trust what they see. Gary Morgan also tackles fan questions on Henry Davis’s Gold Glove chances, clutch hitting, uniform choices, and Oneil Cruz’s future. Will Pittsburgh seize this unexpected momentum—or will history repeat itself?
Topics covered
- Pittsburgh Pirates
- offense
- pitching
- NL Central
- Oneil Cruz
- Bryan Reynolds
- Ryan O’Hearn
- Konnor Griffin
- Nick Yorke
- Paul Skenes
- Bubba Chandler
- bullpen reliability
- division rivals
- Henry Davis
- clutch hitting
- uniform choices
Keywords
- elite offense
- top-four OPS
- MLB ERA
- run differential
- contender status
Mentioned in this episode
Books & works: Gold Glove
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