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Trades. Free agent signings. 40 man roster and Rule 5 implications. Ishbia meets with the Pope?

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🎙️ THE ALEX STUMPF SHOW — EPISODE 1 | Pittsburgh Pirates Offseason Rumors, Kyle Schwarber Buzz, Rule 5 Draft Moves & Don Kelly’s Staff Review

Welcome to the first-ever episode of The Alex Stumpf Show, our brand-new every-other-Thursday podcast seriesfeaturing MLB.com’s Pittsburgh Pirates beat writer, Alex Stumpf! If you're a Pirates fan, an MLB news junkie, or someone who wants insider-level analysis straight from the source, this episode is PACKED.

In Episode 1, we break down the biggest storylines of the Pirates’ offseason, including new spending rumors, potential free-agent targets, and what these moves could mean for the franchise moving forward.

🔥 IN THIS EPISODE:

⚾ Pirates Rumored to Spend Money This Offseason

Alex Stumpf shares insight into the growing buzz that the Pittsburgh Pirates may finally open the checkbook this winter. We talk about what “spending” might realistically mean, who the team could target, and how this would signal a shift in roster-building strategy.

👀 Kyle Schwarber to the Pirates?

We dive into the rumor that Kyle Schwarber could be a potential free-agent signing for Pittsburgh.

• Would Schwarber fit the lineup?

• Does his power bat fill a major need?

• How realistic is this scenario?

Alex gives his insider perspective using his day-to-day coverage of the club.

🧢 Prospects Protected from the Rule 5 Draft

The Pirates recently finalized which minor leaguers were added to the 40-man roster ahead of the Rule 5 Draft.

We discuss:

• Who was protected and why

• Which moves were surprising

• What this says about the Pirates’ long-term pipeline strategy

• Potential prospects at risk of being selected by other teams

🧠 Don Kelly’s Coaching Staff Evaluation

We close with a conversation about Don Kelly and how his coaching staff has performed.

Alex gives an honest, informed assessment of:

• Player development under Kelly

• Coaching strengths and weaknesses

• How staff decisions could impact 2025

📌 WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH

If you want smart Pirates analysis, credible reporting, offseason predictions, and deep baseball conversations, this is the show you should lock into. Alex Stumpf brings journalistic expertise, insider knowledge, and a grounded perspective you won’t get anywhere else.

This is just Episode 1 — and we’ll be back every other Thursday with more Pirates coverage all year long.

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We sit down with Pirates pitching prospect David Matoma, one of the most intriguing young arms in the system and a player with the chance to become the first Ugandan-born Major Leaguer. Matoma opens up about his journey from Uganda to professional baseball, the challenges and pride that come with representing his home country, and the development path that has turned him into one of the Pirates’ most electric talents. We dive into his growth on and off the mound, the adjustments he’s made since entering the organization, and the mindset driving him as he gets closer to Pittsburgh. A powerful and inspiring conversation you won’t want to miss.

Join us on Discord: https://dubclub.win/af/afl-rep3z/

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Check out Just Baseball here: https://www.justbaseball.com/

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Elijah Evans and Dylan Barnas discuss the White Sox fascinating 40-man roster decisions today, including adding Tanner McDougal and Duncan Davitt to the roster, and what they indicate for the rest of the offseason.

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Adam and Chris watch The Scout, a 1994 comedy starring Albert Brooks at the height of his comedic prowess and a young pre-hunk Brendan Fraiser navigating the world of baseball, arbitration, and arrested development. Panned by critics and snubbed at the box office, does this comedy finally find legs three decades after its release? Take some time to stretch out on the therapist's couch and enjoy this episode about a baseball movie that handles some very adult topics with a tremendous amount of grace and comedy. Stick around for some incredible facts about how tall the director is in real life.

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Paul Skenes makes history as the first unanimous Cy Young Award winner in Pirates history, and we break down what this milestone means for the future of the franchise and its emerging core. We also preview a pivotal stretch of roster management ahead — including key decisions on protecting prospects from the Rule 5 Draft and the upcoming Non-Tender Deadline.

Plus, we recap the Pirates’ newest coaching additions and what they bring to the big-league staff, and we wrap things up with a look back at the final week of Arizona Fall League action.

Join us on Discord: https://dubclub.win/af/afl-rep3z/

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Ian Eskridge and James Fox return for another episode of the FutureSox podcast. This week they discussed Chris Getz at the GM Meetings, FA & Trade Rumors, and Grant Taylor's role along with a bunch of other topics.

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We sit down with Pirates pitching prospect Ryan Harbin, who’s coming off his best season yet and was recently added to the 40-man roster. Ryan talks about his journey from high school ball to the professional ranks, how his pitch mix has evolved over the years, and the lessons learned along the way. Tune in for an inside look at one of the Pirates’ rising arms and what’s next as he prepares for the next season.

Join us on Discord: https://dubclub.win/af/afl-rep3z/

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Check out Just Baseball here: https://www.justbaseball.com/

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Elijah Evans and Jeff Cohen discuss offseason headlines and then try to predict the key roster pieces at the lower levels of the minors to start the 2026 season.

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In this week's episode, Adam and Chris rewatch the 2004 baseball classic, Mr. 3000. Bernie Mac's first leading role in a comedy is a testament to why baseball writers are a menace and are never to be trusted. Destined for the Baseball Hall of Fame, post his early and dramatic retirement, Stan Ross is forced to return to baseball after nearly a decade of being a successful businessman because some nerd screwed up his counting stats.

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