North Shore Nine: A Pittsburgh Pirates Podcast

The Pirates’ playoff hopes are virtually gone, so the goal for the final month has to change. Alex Stumpf explains why Pittsburgh should use September to get real answers from its young pitchers, including Hunter Barco, Khristian Curtis, Wilber Dotel, Antwone Kelly and Thomas Harrington. With an open spot in the rotation, there are opportunities to find out who could actually factor into the Pirates’ plans for 2027. Alex also looks ahead to the construction of next year’s rotation, the need for veteran stability and what the Pirates could ultimately decide to do with Mitch Keller this offseason. OffBeat is presented by FanDuel. Read more from Alex Stumpf at Book-Rule Bucs: https://bookrulebucs.substack.com/ Download our app! : https://apps.apple.com/us/app/north-shore-nine/id6771171000 : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.northshorenine.app Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9ZY250XUYiS-yX7xOQCdLA/join Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee Use Promo Code NORTHSHORENINE for $20 off your first order at https://www.seatgeek.com LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the show! NS9 MERCH: https://northshorenine.myshopify.com ►Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NorthShoreNine ►Website: https://www.northshorenine.com ►Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/northshorenine ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@northshorenine ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorenine ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northshorenine ►Discord: https://discord.gg/3HVYPg544m #pittsburghpirates Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Pirates entered the All-Star break with a 110 wRC+, tied for the second-best mark in baseball. Since the break? Their 76 wRC+ ranks dead last. Jim and Tyler break down how Pittsburgh’s offense completely fell apart, including the massive second-half declines from Bryan Reynolds, Spencer Horwitz and others, the impact of injuries, their continued inability to hit left-handed pitching and one very interesting theory about MLB’s midseason AI ban. They also discuss Endy Rodriguez’s latest major injury, what it means for his future and the Pirates’ catching situation, plus the latest CBA proposals involving weekly rosters, the Rule 5 Draft and a dramatically different MLB offseason calendar. Download the NS9 app: https://northshorenine.com/get-app North Shore Nine is presented by FanDuel. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Another major injury has put Endy Rodriguez’s future with the Pirates in question. Alex Stumpf looks at Endy’s latest surgery, his expected recovery timeline, the possibility of a difficult roster decision this winter, and where he fits in a catching room that now includes Rafael Flores Jr. and Henry Davis. Rodriguez showed real signs of turning the corner offensively in 2026, which makes another lengthy absence even tougher to swallow. Subscribe to Book Rule Bucs: https://bookrulebucs.substack.com/ Download our app! : https://apps.apple.com/us/app/north-shore-nine/id6771171000 : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.northshorenine.app Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9ZY250XUYiS-yX7xOQCdLA/join Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee Use Promo Code NORTHSHORENINE for $20 off your first order at https://www.seatgeek.com LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the show! NS9 MERCH: https://northshorenine.myshopify.com ►Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NorthShoreNine ►Website: https://www.northshorenine.com ►Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/northshorenine ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@northshorenine ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorenine ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northshorenine ►Discord: https://discord.gg/3HVYPg544m #pittsburghpirates Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Pirates had chance after chance to finish off a sweep in San Diego and simply could not come through. Pittsburgh went 1-for-13 with runners in scoring position, stranded 10 runners and was shut out 3-0 by the Padres. Jim and Tyler break down the brutal offensive approach, missed opportunities from Bryan Reynolds, Esmerlyn Valdez, Oneil Cruz and Nick Gonzales, plus a solid outing from Bubba Chandler despite not having his best stuff. The NS9 Postgame Show is powered by Primanti Brothers. Download the NS9 app: https://northshorenine.com/get-app Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Esmerlyn Valdez has emerged as one of the most important pieces of the Pirates’ lineup, providing something that has become increasingly rare across baseball: legitimate right-handed power. Alex Stumpf looks at what has made Valdez’s rookie season so encouraging, why his .541 slugging percentage stands out among right-handed hitters, and the concerns that remain with his strikeout and whiff rates. Even if Valdez is penciled into the 2027 lineup, Pittsburgh still needs to find another right-handed bat. Download the NS9 app: https://northshorenine.com/get-app Read more from Alex at Book Rule Bucs: https://bookrulebucs.substack.com/ Download the NS9 app: https://northshorenine.com/get-app Read more from Alex at Book Rule Bucs: https://bookrulebucs.substack.com/ Download our app! : https://apps.apple.com/us/app/north-shore-nine/id6771171000 : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.northshorenine.app Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9ZY250XUYiS-yX7xOQCdLA/join Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee Use Promo Code NORTHSHORENINE for $20 off your first order at https://www.seatgeek.com LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the show! NS9 MERCH: https://northshorenine.myshopify.com ►Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NorthShoreNine ►Website: https://www.northshorenine.com ►Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/northshorenine ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@northshorenine ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorenine ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northshorenine ►Discord: https://discord.gg/3HVYPg544m #pittsburghpirates Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Oneil Cruz provided the only offense the Pirates needed. Cruz launched a ninth-inning home run off Mason Miller to break a scoreless tie and lift Pittsburgh to a 1-0 win over the Padres. Even better, Cruz apparently told Hannah Mears before the at-bat, “Pay attention. I’m about to hit a home run.” DiNardo and Neil break down the incredible Cruz homer, an encouraging outing from Paul Skenes, another dominant night from the Pirates bullpen, and Pittsburgh taking the first two games of the series in San Diego. Skenes tossed six scoreless innings with three hits, zero walks and four strikeouts, while Camilo Doval, Dennis Santana and Mason Montgomery finished the shutout. Download our app! : https://apps.apple.com/us/app/north-shore-nine/id6771171000 : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.northshorenine.app Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee Use Promo Code NORTHSHORENINE for $20 off your first order at https://www.seatgeek.com LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the show! NS9 MERCH: https://northshorenine.myshopify.com ►Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NorthShoreNine ►Website: https://www.northshorenine.com ►Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/northshorenine ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@northshorenine ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorenine ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northshorenine ►Discord: https://discord.gg/3HVYPg544m #pittsburghpirates Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Pirates entered 2026 expecting to contend. Instead, year seven of the Ben Cherington era is ending with Pittsburgh essentially eliminated from the postseason picture. Alex Stumpf looks at what that means for Cherington’s future, but also why this winter presents a unique problem. With an MLB lockout looming in December, the Pirates may have very little time to conduct a GM search, reshape the front office, address coaching and scouting, and prepare a roster that still has Paul Skenes, Oneil Cruz and a potentially competitive core. Is Pittsburgh better off making a change, or would starting over put them even further behind? OffBeat is presented by FanDuel. Read more from Alex Stumpf at Book-Rule Bucs: https://bookrulebucs.substack.com/ Download the North Shore Nine app: https://northshorenine.com/get-app Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Pirates somehow escaped San Diego with a 3-2 win in 12 innings after Nick Gonzales finally delivered the go-ahead run. DiNardo and Neil break down another tremendous start from Braxton Ashcraft, a brutal night from the offense, the bizarre balk that cost Ashcraft a run, and a bullpen that kept the Pirates alive long enough to win it. Download our app! : https://apps.apple.com/us/app/north-shore-nine/id6771171000 : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.northshorenine.app Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee Use Promo Code NORTHSHORENINE for $20 off your first order at https://www.seatgeek.com LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the show! NS9 MERCH: https://northshorenine.myshopify.com ►Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NorthShoreNine ►Website: https://www.northshorenine.com ►Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/northshorenine ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@northshorenine ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorenine ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northshorenine ►Discord: https://discord.gg/3HVYPg544m #pittsburghpirates Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The 2026 Pittsburgh Pirates season is officially dead. At 63-69, the Pirates sit 8.5 games out of a Wild Card spot with just 30 games remaining after an incredible collapse. On today’s Bucco Brew, we look back at how a season that once had legitimate postseason hopes completely fell apart and what actually went wrong. We’re also digging into one of the biggest explanations surrounding this team: injuries. The Pirates have accumulated just 593 total injured-list days this season, 27th in MLB. Meanwhile, teams like the Dodgers, Cubs, Diamondbacks, Braves, Padres and Brewers have dealt with substantially more. And despite injuries to Oneil Cruz and several other position players, Pittsburgh still had one of baseball’s highest-scoring offenses. The Pirates had injuries. But did injuries actually kill their season? Bucco Brew is powered by De Fer Coffee & Tea. Download our app! : https://apps.apple.com/us/app/north-shore-nine/id6771171000 : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.northshorenine.app Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee Use Promo Code NORTHSHORENINE for $20 off your first order at https://www.seatgeek.com LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the show! NS9 MERCH: https://northshorenine.myshopify.com ►Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NorthShoreNine ►Website: https://www.northshorenine.com ►Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/northshorenine ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@northshorenine ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorenine ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northshorenine ►Discord: https://discord.gg/3HVYPg544m #pittsburghpirates Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Pirates were supposed to be ready in 2026. They improved the roster over the winter, aggressively addressed the bullpen at the trade deadline and had a Wild Card spot within reach less than a month ago. Instead, they've collapsed again. Alex Stumpf looks at why this late-season collapse feels different from 2011, 2012 and 2024, why the usual excuses don't completely work this time, and how several of the players Pittsburgh was counting on have failed to deliver during the most meaningful stretch of the season. OffBeat is presented by FanDuel. Read Alex Stumpf's Book-Rule Bucs: https://bookrulebucs.substack.com/ Download the North Shore Nine app: https://northshorenine.com/get-app Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Pirates finished an awful weekend in Los Angeles with a 4-0 loss and a three-game sweep at the hands of the Dodgers. Cody and Doug discuss a team that looked simply uncompetitive, the organizational failures that led them here, and why Ben Cherington's process is no longer good enough. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Pirates dropped their second straight to the Dodgers, falling 4-3 in another game that was there for the taking. Tyler and Neil break down Pittsburgh's missed opportunities at the plate, Jared Jones' command issues, another strong showing from Oneil Cruz since returning from the IL, and a Pirates team that continues to find ways to let winnable games slip away. The NS9 Postgame Show is powered by Primanti Bros. Download the NS9 app: https://northshorenine.com/get-app Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Pirates fought all the way back against the Dodgers, but a golden opportunity in extra innings went completely to waste. Oneil Cruz continued his ridiculous return with another home run, the bullpen delivered 5.2 excellent innings, and Pittsburgh had runners at the corners with nobody out in the 10th. They still couldn't score, and the Dodgers eventually walked it off, 5-4. DiNardo and Neil break down the missed opportunities, Bubba Chandler's uneven start, the decision to remove Rafael Flores, Henry Davis' struggles, and another huge night from Cruz. Download our app! : https://apps.apple.com/us/app/north-shore-nine/id6771171000 : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.northshorenine.app Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee Use Promo Code NORTHSHORENINE for $20 off your first order at https://www.seatgeek.com LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the show! NS9 MERCH: https://northshorenine.myshopify.com ►Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NorthShoreNine ►Website: https://www.northshorenine.com ►Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/northshorenine ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@northshorenine ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorenine ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northshorenine ►Discord: https://discord.gg/3HVYPg544m #pittsburghpirates Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alex Stumpf came into this homestand ready to declare the 2026 Pittsburgh Pirates dead. Instead, they took two of three from both the Red Sox and Tigers and kept the tiniest bit of hope alive. Now comes the real test. The Pirates head out for a nine-game road trip against the Dodgers, Padres and Cardinals with essentially no margin for error. Alex looks at what it would take to get back into the Wild Card race, the concerns surrounding Paul Skenes, the return of Oneil Cruz and why this really could be Pittsburgh’s last stand. Download our app! : https://apps.apple.com/us/app/north-shore-nine/id6771171000 : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.northshorenine.app Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9ZY250XUYiS-yX7xOQCdLA/join Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee Use Promo Code NORTHSHORENINE for $20 off your first order at https://www.seatgeek.com LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the show! NS9 MERCH: https://northshorenine.myshopify.com ►Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NorthShoreNine ►Website: https://www.northshorenine.com ►Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/northshorenine ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@northshorenine ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorenine ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northshorenine ►Discord: https://discord.gg/3HVYPg544m #pittsburghpirates Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The David Bednar trade deserves another look. Rafael Flores has started making an impact in Pittsburgh, including a huge two-homer performance in Wednesday's comeback win. So one year later, do we feel differently about the Pirates' return for Bednar? Was moving him ultimately the right call, or is the return still underwhelming? DiNardo and the crew also discuss Oneil Cruz making an immediate impact after returning from the 60-day IL, Endy Rodríguez landing back on the IL and what the Christian Bethancourt addition could mean for Pittsburgh's catching situation. Then it's time to preview a brutal six-game road trip against the Dodgers and Padres, beginning with Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tarik Skubal and Blake Snell in Los Angeles. Download our app! : https://apps.apple.com/us/app/north-shore-nine/id6771171000 : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.northshorenine.app Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee Use Promo Code NORTHSHORENINE for $20 off your first order at https://www.seatgeek.com LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the show! NS9 MERCH: https://northshorenine.myshopify.com ►Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NorthShoreNine ►Website: https://www.northshorenine.com ►Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/northshorenine ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@northshorenine ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorenine ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northshorenine ►Discord: https://discord.gg/3HVYPg544m #pittsburghpirates Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Rafael Flores Jr. came off the bench Wednesday and became the first player in Pirates history to hit two home runs in a game, including a ninth-inning shot off Kenley Jansen that helped set up Pittsburgh’s walk-off win. Alex Stumpf breaks down why Flores’ offensive success looks legitimate, what still needs to improve behind the plate and whether the Pirates may finally have a long-term answer at catcher. Plus, how Henry Davis, Endy Rodríguez, Ryan O’Hearn and Pittsburgh’s plans for 2027 could factor into Flores’ future. Read Alex Stumpf’s Book-Rule Bucs: https://bookrulebucs.substack.com/ Download our app! : https://apps.apple.com/us/app/north-shore-nine/id6771171000 : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.northshorenine.app Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9ZY250XUYiS-yX7xOQCdLA/join Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee Use Promo Code NORTHSHORENINE for $20 off your first order at https://www.seatgeek.com LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the show! NS9 MERCH: https://northshorenine.myshopify.com ►Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NorthShoreNine ►Website: https://www.northshorenine.com ►Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/northshorenine ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@northshorenine ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorenine ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northshorenine ►Discord: https://discord.gg/3HVYPg544m #pittsburghpirates Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Rafael Flores came off the bench and homered twice before Brandon Lowe walked it off in the ninth as the Pirates beat Detroit 4-3 and took another series. Cody and Doug react to the dramatic finish, Oneil Cruz's return and the growing concern surrounding Paul Skenes. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Termarr Johnson is set to undergo ACL reconstruction along with a procedure on his LCL, putting his timeline for 2027 into question. Alex Stumpf looks at what the significant knee injury means for Johnson’s future and a Pirates organization that once appeared to have a clear succession plan at second base. With Brandon Lowe’s future in Pittsburgh uncertain, Johnson eligible for the Rule 5 Draft and a potential MLB lockout adding another complication, the Pirates could have a difficult decision to make with the former No. 4 overall pick this winter. Read Alex Stumpf’s Book-Rule Bucs: https://bookrulebucs.substack.com/ Download our app! : https://apps.apple.com/us/app/north-shore-nine/id6771171000 : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.northshorenine.app Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9ZY250XUYiS-yX7xOQCdLA/join Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee Use Promo Code NORTHSHORENINE for $20 off your first order at https://www.seatgeek.com LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the show! NS9 MERCH: https://northshorenine.myshopify.com ►Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NorthShoreNine ►Website: https://www.northshorenine.com ►Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/northshorenine ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@northshorenine ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorenine ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northshorenine ►Discord: https://discord.gg/3HVYPg544m #pittsburghpirates Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Braxton Ashcraft continues to roll. The Pirates right-hander tossed eight innings of one-run baseball on just 80 pitches as Pittsburgh beat the Detroit Tigers 4-1. Tyler, DiNardo and Doug break down another dominant and incredibly efficient Ashcraft outing, Oneil Cruz returning to the lineup with a 422-foot home run, the Pirates doing just enough offensively, and Mason Montgomery continuing to look like a legitimate late-inning weapon. Download the NS9 app: https://northshorenine.com/get-app The NS9 Postgame Show is powered by Primanti Brothers. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Carmen Mlodzinski wants to be a starting pitcher, but his results continue to tell a very different story. Alex Stumpf breaks down Mlodzinski’s rough outing against Detroit, his 5.85 ERA as a starter compared to a 2.15 ERA in relief, the mechanical issues he says he’s been fighting and whether the Pirates should continue giving him the ball every five days. Mlodzinski has now struggled in three straight starts since replacing Mitch Keller, leaving Pittsburgh with another question in a rotation already dealing with uncertainty surrounding Paul Skenes and Jared Jones. Read Alex Stumpf’s Book-Rule Bucs: https://bookrulebucs.substack.com/ Download our app! : https://apps.apple.com/us/app/north-shore-nine/id6771171000 : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.northshorenine.app Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9ZY250XUYiS-yX7xOQCdLA/join Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee Use Promo Code NORTHSHORENINE for $20 off your first order at https://www.seatgeek.com LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the show! NS9 MERCH: https://northshorenine.myshopify.com ►Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NorthShoreNine ►Website: https://www.northshorenine.com ►Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/northshorenine ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@northshorenine ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorenine ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northshorenine ►Discord: https://discord.gg/3HVYPg544m #pittsburghpirates Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.