On today's episode of Locked On Pirates, host Ethan Smith is joined by Gary Morgan to discuss the signing of Yasmani Grandal, what it means for the Pirates catching room, what his role and expectations should be, and more.

Also, the duo discusses Jason Delay and the other options the Pirates have available at the catching position and why having these options could take some pressure off Henry Davis.

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The 2024 Player Preview Series is rolling along, we've talked about pitching, now lets move to the field, starting with Henry Davis.

Henry Davis was thrust into the starting catching role after Endy Rodriguez sustained a winter ball injury that will sideline him for the 2024 season.

This season is very important for a ton of reasons for Davis? Can he figure out how to play the catching position at an MLB level? Will the bat take its necessary next steps? What's the fallout moving forward if he doesn't improve drastically? Is 2024 it for him if he doesn't figure it out?

Host Ethan Smith discusses this important campaign for Davis on today's episode of Locked On Pirates.

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On the last 2024 Player Review Series episode, we discussed the potential of David Bednar, Aroldis Chapman and Colin Holderman being among MLB's best trio of relievers.

Well, strong bullpen's aren't dictated by three players. Can the rest of the bullpen, with names like Carmen Mlodzinski, Ryan Borucki and Dauri Moreta standing out, make the Pirates bullpen group a top-10 unit in all of baseball?

With the group already being somewhat strong in 2023, what can the bullpen grow up to achieve this goal?

Host Ethan Smith discusses this and more on today's episode of Locked On Pirates.

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The 2024 Player Preview series has been electric thus far as we continue to take a look at the players we expect on the Pirates 2024 roster.

Today, we talk about David Bednar, Colin Holderman and Aroldis Chapman, three relievers who all had strong 2023 campaigns in their own ways and a trio that has the potential to be the best 7-8-9 inning punch in all of baseball.

Does Bednar have yet another All-Star campaign? Does Chapman fully embrace his role as a set-up reliever and does he stay consistent or regress? Can Holderman's success continue as one of the more underrated relievers in baseball?

Host Ethan Smith discusses this potential and more on today's episode of Locked On Pirates.

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The 2024 Player Preview Series continues once again, this time taking the discussion away from Pittsburgh and going to the minor league system to discuss Paul Skenes, Jared Jones and Anthony Solometo.

That trio has been heavily discussed as the most likely pitchers to get called-up to the big league roster in 2024, and rightfully so, as all three are very talented. For Skenes, how does he adjust to a professional pitching schedule? For Jones, can his continued success be built upon in 2024 at AAA Indianapolis? For Solometo, can he rise through the system and continue to rise through the rankings as well?

Host Ethan Smith discusses these points and more on today's episode of Locked On Pirates.

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!IbottaRight now, Ibotta is offering our listeners $5 for just trying Ibotta by using the code LOCKEDONMLB when you register.eBay MotorsWith all the parts you need at the prices you want, it’s easy to turn your car into the MVP and bring home that win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers.

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New customers, join today and you’ll get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS if your first bet of FIVE DOLLARS or more wins. Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to get started.

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The 2024 Player Preview Series is in full swing as we continue to talk about starting pitching, this time discussing a trio that will have a ton on their plates in 2024.

Quinn Priester, Luis Ortiz and Roansy Contreras have all been highly touted pitchers in the Pirates system, but 2023 left a ton to be desired from all three. With the rotation still needing spots filled, one of the three must step up for the organization in 2024, and maybe Oscar Marin's job.

Who will get the most opportunities to do so? Is Spring going to tell us the full story? If none of them pan out, what is the fallout? Host Ethan Smith discusses today on Locked On Pirates.

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New customers, join today and you’ll get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS if your first bet of FIVE DOLLARS or more wins. Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to get started.

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The 2024 Player Preview series continues today as host Ethan Smith discusses the duo of Martin Perez and Marco Gonzales on today's show.

Perez was apart of a World Series roster in 2024 w/ the Texas Rangers, losing some playing time with a loaded staff, but he's shown he has the stuff to be viable pitcher on any staff. Can Perez rekindle some of his past form? Did the Pirates find a gem in signing him? Can he be a solid number two option behind Keller?

Gonzales was acquired via trade and it rose some eyebrows, especially with his nerve damage injury last season? Is health the only thing stopping Gonzales? Can he be the Pirates next reclamation project? How important is he to the staff?

We talk about that and more on today's episode of Locked On Pirates.

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Today's episode begins the 2024 Player Preview series, and we begin with one of Pittsburgh's best, Mitch Keller.

Keller had an impressive 2023 campaign that saw him appear in the All-Star Game and become the unquestioned ace of the staff, but all eyes will be on him again as the top rotation option in 2024.

How can Keller expand on his performance from 2023? Can he play at an All-Star level again? How much pressure is on the Pirates to get him locked up long-term? We'll talk about all of that and more on today's episode of Locked On Pirates.

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Today's episode begins the 2024 Player Preview series, and we begin with one of Pittsburgh's best, Mitch Keller.

Keller had an impressive 2023 campaign that saw him appear in the All-Star Game and become the unquestioned ace of the staff, but all eyes will be on him again as the top rotation option in 2024.

How can Keller expand on his performance from 2023? Can he play at an All-Star level again? How much pressure is on the Pirates to get him locked up long-term? We'll talk about all of that and more on today's episode of Locked On Pirates.

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Factor Meals

Head to FactorMeals.com/lockedonmlb50 and use code lockedonmlb50 to get 50% off. 

eBay Motors

With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it’s easy to turn your car into the MVP and bring home that win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers.

Gametime

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase.

FanDuel

New customers, join today and you’ll get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS if your first bet of FIVE DOLLARS or more wins. Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to get started.

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On today's edition of Locked On Pirates, host Ethan Smith heads over to Locked On MLB w/ Sully Baseball!

The duo discusses the off-season so far for the entire NL Central, highlighting the division as one that could be up for grabs for any of Pittsburgh, St. Louis, Milwaukee, Chicago or Cincinnati and how a log jam could see each team treat 2024 in a competitive manner.

Following that, Sully asks Ethan about the Pirates off-season, his thoughts on the overall roster and the moves made thus far and why more small moves could further solidify a step-forward for Pittsburgh this upcoming year.

All of that and more on today's crossover edition of Locked On Pirates.

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Factor MealsHead to FactorMeals.com/lockedonmlb50 and use code lockedonmlb50 to get 50% off. eBay MotorsWith all the parts you need at the prices you want, it’s easy to turn your car into the MVP and bring home that win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers.

Gametime

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase.

FanDuel

New customers, join today and you’ll get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS if your first bet of FIVE DOLLARS or more wins. Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to get started.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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