In our latest podcast episode, we discuss my recent trip to Greensboro to watch the Grasshoppers for an entire week.

Which players stood out? Is the Javier Rivas start of the season legitimate, and what have been the key factors in his breakout?

The Pirates’ pitching factory might have a legitimate breakout in Antwone Kelly, an international signing who hit triple-digits in his start last week. Is it just the fastball, or does he have a well-rounded arsenal?

Is Shalin Polanco heading for a breakout, and what might help him get there?

We then shift to Altoona and the fantastic start to the year from Hunter Barco. Is he a potential top 100 arm, and what pitching prospects would you take ahead of him in the Pirates’ system right now?

Finally, we talk about Liover Peguero. Is it time for him to get another shot in the majors, and is anything different from last year? We explore some of the analytics on just how much he may have improved and how to fit him on the major league roster.

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In our latest podcast episode, we discuss some of the standouts for opening weekend for the rest of the affiliates in the Pirates’ system. Between Garrett McMillan and Javier Rivas, we discuss all the top performers from the early games of the minor league season.

We also talk, short-term, about some things we are watching for from some of the rest of the affiliates, like the usage of Alessandro Ercolani and Konnor Griffin at shortstop.

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In our latest podcast episode, we discussed the Pirates’ 1-5 start and how bleak things seem at the moment. We also discussed David Bednar getting optioned and recurring themes that have presented themselves the first time through the rotation.

We also review the potential lower-level minor leaguers we will be watching closely in 2025, including some notable names and some under-the-radar follows.

With the season starting recently, the site is having a flash sale on yearly subscriptions. From now until next Saturday, you can upgrade and get 30% off a yearly subscription when you become a paid member.

That equates to less than $3 per month and far less than $1 per paid feature. Video breakdowns, our full write-ups on our top 25 prospects, and other player features are among the benefits of upgrading.

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In our latest podcast episode, we discuss how the roster is coming together for opening day. How confident do we feel about what the initial 26-man roster is looking for the Pittsburgh Pirates?

We also give our ‘soft’ predictions for how many wins they will finish with and who the most valuable player might be.

Shifting to the minor league side, we go over some projected upper-level prospects we are monitoring this season. The projected Triple-A rotation is an obvious pick, but what other players should you be watching going into 2025?

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In our latest podcast episode, we discuss some of the early happenings in the Pirates’ camp, including Endy Rodriguez and how a healthy version of himself can impact the rest of the lineup.

We also talk about Braxton Ashcraft, Jared Jones, and Paul Skenes all looking to add a two-seamer to their arsenal this season and how it can help the rest of their pitches going forward.

Finally, after inspiration on Twitter, we debate who has a better fastball: Paul Skenes or Bubba Chandler? We take a look at things from an analytical point of view, as well as the eye test.

Subscribe to the site to get all our updates on the Pirates, and the entire organization, sent straight to your email. You can also subscribe to the podcast on it’s own through Apple, Spotify, and Youtube.

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In our latest podcast episode, we discuss some of the prospects that will be a part of major league camp for the Pittsburgh Pirates. It’s an intriguing group of names, even if most don’t have a shot at breaking camp with the major league team.

We then shift to the major league side of things and go over some players/storylines we are watching this Spring.

BASEBALL IS BACK.

In our latest podcast episode, we discuss the upcoming International signing period for the Pittsburgh Pirates. They’ve been linked to a few names heading into the signing period, what among that group has stood out?

We then shift to our thoughts on Caleb Ferguson signing, and how that may impact the bullpen this year. We also go more in depth on the bullpen and how we feel about it going into the season as it stands plus a non-roster invite we are watching in camp.

Bucs On Deck is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Support the site by becoming a paid member, and get access to all of our premium content, including our Top 25 list with complete player write-ups and video breakdowns, which come out weekly.

It will also give access to my player feature articles from on-site trips.

We have monthly and yearly plans available, with the latter costing an average of $4.16/month.

The Washington Nationals have been busy the last day or so, adding a couple of free agents to the mix. Ironically enough, they are both former Nationals and Pirates.

Josh Bell was traded from the Pirates to the Nationals in exchange for Eddy Yean and Will Crowe. After bouncing around with the San Diego Padres, Cleveland Guardians, Miami Marlins, and Arizona Diamondbacks, he returns to DC on a one-year $6 million contract.

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He batted .249 with 19 home runs last year between the Marlins and Diamondbacks.

Williams was brought back on a two-year, $14 million contract after electing free agency. He was having a strong season in 2024 until getting hurt. In 13 games, Williams posted a 2.03 ERA and a 6-1 record across 66.2 innings pitched.

In our latest podcast episode, we answer some of the questions that you submitted the previous weekend. There were some great questions; tune in to listen to us discuss them.

We also talk about some of our favorite moments from the 2024 season, as well as what we are looking forward to in 2025.

Subscribe to the site and have our podcast sent directly to your email. We are also available on Apple Podcast and most other platforms.

Support the site by becoming a paid member, and get access to all of our premium content, including our Top 25 list with complete player write-ups and video breakdowns, which come out weekly.

It will also give access to my player feature articles from on-site trips.

We have monthly and yearly plans available, with the latter costing an average of $4.16/month.

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In our latest podcast episode, we discuss the Pirates' release of Trey Cabbage. We then follow up with talk of their latest trade, acquiring Enmanuel Valdez, and what impact that has on the roster.

We wrap up with talk on the second base position in general, is it Nick Gonzales' spot to lose? Who could get in his way of being the Opening Day second baseman?

Subscribe to Bucs on Deck for all your updates on the Pirates' organization. Consider upgrading to a paid member and get access to our premium features that include player features, video breakdowns, and our site rankings with full prospect write-ups.

We recap the 2024 Winter Meetings, which included the big trade the Pirates made to acquire Spencer Horwitz in exchange for three pitchers, one of which was Luis Ortiz.

Then we talk about some early candidates the Pirates could take with the sixth overall pick in the 2025 draft.

Finally, we talk about the Rule 5 draft and what still needs to be done in the offseason.

Bucs On Deck is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.