🎙️ 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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