Bucco Bantr

We went inside PiratesFest for exclusive Bucco Bantr interviews you won’t see anywhere else 🔥 This is Part 1 of our 3-part series featuring 3 Pirates players — and it starts BIG.

⚾ In this episode:

🔹 Jared Jones opens up about his injury, recovery, and comeback mindset heading into a huge season

🔹 Jake Mangum returns to Bucco Bantr to talk his offseason, Pittsburgh fans, and his excitement to win in the ‘Burgh

🔹 Endy Rodríguez shares how he’s getting back to 100% health and why he believes this team is headed in the right direction

👀 Plus a surprise appearance from Oneil Cruz

🔥 Pirates fans — this one’s for you.

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Ian Eskridge and James Fox return with another episode of the FutureSox podcast, part of the Just Baseball Media Network. BA and MLB Pipeline have dropped new Top 100's and Ian and James ran through them with their thoughts. The White Sox signed Closer Seranthony Dominguez, traded Luis Robert Jr. for Luisangel Acuna and Truman Pauley, and announced Dev Staff. A lot to talk about.

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This weekend we had behind-the-scenes access at Pirates Fest, and we’re breaking it ALL down. ⚾🔥

We recap our awesome weekend at Pirates Fest, including exclusive player interviews and insider conversations that give a real look behind the curtain at what the Pirates’ offseason has been like — and what fans should expect heading into 2026.

We also dive into the Andrew McCutchen drama surrounding the team. Should the Pirates bring back the former MVP? We break down the pros and cons, what Ben Cherington had to say, and how a potential reunion could impact the roster and clubhouse.

To wrap it up, we explore realistic free agent and trade targets the Pirates could pursue:

Adam suggests Cherington revisit a familiar trade partner — Toronto — to check in on Addison Barger and Ernie Clement

Scott highlights Luis Rengifo as a potential roster upgrade that fits the Pirates’ needs

If you’re a Pirates fan, this episode is packed with insight, rumors, and future-focused discussion you won’t want to miss.

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Elijah is joined by new High-A Winston-Salem Hitting Coach Adam Sinkoe! He discusses his baseball journey and his experience coaching Division II baseball, which led him to Chicago. They touch on Sinkoe's hitting philosophy and a number of top prospects in the system, including Jaden Fauske and Billy Carlson. Get to know one of the new coaches in the farm system!

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We’re excited to officially announce our partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Western Pennsylvania! 🙌

In this episode, we’re joined by CEO Chris Watts, who walks us through his career journey, his lifelong passion for giving back, and the incredible impact the Boys & Girls Club has across Western PA. Chris also dives into the Club’s programs, including the addition of their Sports Management Pathways Program and how they’re creating real opportunities for young people.

As part of this partnership, Bucco Bantr will be working with the Boys & Girls Club to introduce alternative pathways in the sports world — from podcasting and media to social media and content creation. This is something we’re truly passionate about, and we can’t wait to get involved and help make a difference.

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Elijah Evans is joined by White Sox pitching prospect Gage Ziehl to discuss his experience being traded to Chicago, arsenal adjustments in pro ball, competition level, and much more!

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Ian Eskridge joins Jacob and Danny as the crew shares their thoughts on the Luis Robert Jr trade, the return of Luisangel Acuna and Truman Pauley, and the financial ramifications.

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Elijah Evans and Dylan Barnas catch up on the latest news around baseball and then discuss prospects outside of the organization's top 15 who could emerge as key pieces of the farm system this year.

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Gustavo Melendez Interview | Pirates 2025 4th Round Pick on Puerto Rico, Wake Forest & Pro Baseball

We sit down with Gustavo Melendez, the Pittsburgh Pirates 2025 4th round draft pick out of Puerto Rico, on this episode of the Bucco Bantr Podcast ⚾🔥

Gustavo breaks down his journey to professional baseball, starting with growing up and playing in Puerto Rico, navigating the challenges of getting scouted, and going through the recruitment process that led him to Wake Forest University.

We dive into:

⚾His path from Puerto Rico to professional baseball

⚾The college recruitment process and committing to Wake Forest

⚾What it was like trying to get noticed by scouts

⚾Being drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates

⚾Why playing for a team connected to Roberto Clemente means so much to him

⚾His experience playing Winter Ball

⚾Adjustments he’s making during his first professional offseason

⚾What Pirates fans can expect from him on and off the field

Gustavo describes himself as a high-IQ baseball player who brings effort, passion, and commitment every single day.

🎧 If you’re a Pirates fan, love MLB draft content, or enjoy player development stories, this episode is a must-watch.

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👉 Like & Comment your thoughts on Gustavo and the Pirates’ future!

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We took things ice cold in the Strip District 🧊🔥

On this episode of Freezing Cold Takes, the Bucco Bantr crew sits down with Uniontown native Caitlin O’Connor at MindFuel Method for a cold plunge interview you don’t want to miss. Born in Los Angeles and raised in Uniontown, PA, Caitlin always knew she wanted a career in entertainment—specifically as a TV host.

After heading back to LA for college, she worked her way up from unglamorous early jobs to becoming a successful actress, model, TV host, and producer.

Caitlin shares:

🎬 Her journey breaking into the entertainment industry

👑 Stories of working as a Disney princess

🌴 Why she believes Los Angeles is “dead”

🏙️ Why moving back to Pittsburgh feels like home Now living back in Pittsburgh with her fiancé Joe Manganiello, Caitlin talks about the strong sense of community she never felt in LA—and why you don’t need to move to a big city to succeed in entertainment.

🍕 Plus, Caitlin crowns Fiori’s as her favorite Pittsburgh pizza spot 🐶 And gives her dog Bubbles a cold take you’ll have to hear to believe

At MindFuel Method in the Strip District, you can enjoy a rejuvenating wellness session — think sauna, cold plunge tubs, guided breathwork, and more. Right now, you can use the promo code “FUELGOOD” at mindfuelmethod.com to claim a free session on them and experience the heat, cold, and mindset-shifting benefits firsthand. Just enter the code when booking your first visit!

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