Pirates Insider Podcast
Pittsburgh Pirates
Pirates Insider Podcast is your source for all things Buccos. Join Jason Mackey as he breaks down the latest stories, roster moves, game takeaways, clubhouse developments, and the current state of your Pittsburgh Pirates. Whether you’re catching up after a series, looking ahead to what’s next, Mackey's got you covered on the Pirates Insider Podcast
Episodes
Pirates Insider Podcast, Episode 100 (10/2 Growth shown by catchers/bullpen)
What led to Mason Montgomery's rise to elite closer? How are the Pirates positioned bullpen-wise in 2027? On the catching side, let's look at Rafael Flores and how his season evolved. They have questions to answer with Carmen Mlodzinski and Henry Davis, as well. Jason Mackey breaks all of that down and more on another edition of the Pirates Insider Podcast.
Pirates Insider Podcast, Episode 99 (10/2 Top infield/outfield storylines from season)
How impactful was Oneil Cruz? What's the one number we're not talking about enough when it comes to Brandon Lowe? Also, where should the Pirates potentially add this offseason? Jason Mackey breaks down all of that and more on Friday's episode of the Pirates Insider Podcast.
Pirates Insider Podcast, Episode 98 (10/1 Breaking down starting pitchers)
What was the best story of the Pirates starting pitching staff in 2026? Should we worry about Paul Skenes. Bubba Chandler and Jared Jones had strong second halves. How much their development compare to that of Cam Schlittler and Jacon Misiorowski? Lastly, let's make a couple predictions for the offseason. Jason Mackey discusses all of that and more.
Pirates Insider Podcast, Episode 97 (9/30 Key questions for the offseason)
This podcast episode is dedicated to questions the Pirates must answer this offseason. What happens with Brandon Lowe? What does it mean when Ben Cherington says the Pirates want to add to the pitching group? What roles might Nick Gonzales and Carmen Mlodzinski have? Jason Mackey breaks all of that down and more.
Pirates Insider Podcast, Episode 96 (9/29 The numbers that mattered in 2026)
How significant was the Pirates' offensive improvement? What did the bullpen, led by Mason Montgomery, find since the All-Star break? How should we look at Paul Skenes' season when it comes to expected stats? And what might run differential tell us about the Pirates' build? Jason Mackey breaks down 20 numbers that mattered for the Pirates this season.
Pirates Insider Podcast, Episode 95 (9/28 Jared Jones shines, winning season secured)
The Pirates secured their first winning season since 2018 on Sunday in Detroit. It wasn't the ultimate goal, but it represented a step forward to those in the clubhouse. What has led to Jared Jones' September surge? And what were players saying after the win? Also, when did an important shift for the Pirates occur this season? Jason Mackey breaks it all down on this episode of the Pirates Insider Podcast.
Pirates Insider Podcast, Episode 94 (9/25 What to make of Paul Skenes' season?)
The Pirates finished their home slate with a series victory over the Cardinals. Paul Skenes was really good but why? And what does Skenes think about his season? What was different for him this year? Jason Mackey breaks all of that down and more on today's edition of the Pirates Insider Podcast.
Pirates Insider Podcast, Episode 93 (9/24 Response needed after quiet loss)
This was not a terribly exciting game. Brandon Eisert and Khristian Curtis struggled, while the Pirates didn't do much against a left-handed starting pitcher in Matthew Liberatore. However, Pirates manager Don Kelly has talked a lot about going 1-0 and narrowing the focus. They need to do that now if they want to finish with a winning record. What about experience gained for Curtis and others? How about some of the defensive plays? Jason Mackey breaks all of that down and more.
Pirates Insider Podcast, Episode 92 (9/23 Message sent to management about '27?)
Ryan O'Hearn had some interesting comments after the Pirates' 2-0 victory over the Cardinals on Tuesday. The Pirates also played the type of baseball they need to play to win. What has been going right for them in September? Furthermore, what sort of development has Jared Jones showed in another dominant outing? Jason Mackey digs into that and more on this episode of the Pirates Insider Podcast.
Pirates Insider Podcast, Episode 91 (9/22 Quantifying roster improvement in '26)
Pirates general manager Ben Cherington discussed improvements made in 2026 on the Pirates Insider Show on Sunday, making clear the ultimate goal remains winning and reaching the postseason. But if you look at some of the talent accumulated in 2026, it's pretty interesting. How does it stack up to other teams in the division or past playoff Pirates teams? How much does run differential matter in all of this? Jason Mackey discusses these topics and more on today's episode of the Pirates Insider Podcast.
Pirates Insider Podcast, Episode 90 (9/21 Recapping a bittersweet weekend)
The Pirates have been eliminated from playoff contention. However, they continue to show plenty of fight. Rafael Flores Jr. is making an impressive statement for next season. Brandon Lowe has also had one heck of a season and now could get to 100 RBIs. What sort of impact has Oneil Cruz? And why do these games matter the rest of the way? Jason Mackey breaks it all down right here.
Pirates Insider Podcast, Episode 89 (9/18 Pirates take season series from Brewers)
The Pirates won the season series against the Brewers. How does that square with Pittsburgh likely missing the playoffs? Furthermore, what about the growth shown by Khristian Curtis in this one? Henry Davis homered. How should we look at the catching situation the rest of the way? And what happened in the second inning? Jason Mackey breaks all of that down and more on Friday's edition of the Pirates Insider Podcast.
Pirates Insider Podcast, Episode 88 (9/17 Franchise home run record falls)
The Pirates set the franchise home run record Wednesday. But where those homers come from matters. How that play into next year? What has Rafael Flores Jr. shown this season? And, Jared Jones. How has a run of consistency helped him, and might that mean for 2027?
Pirates Insider Podcast, Episode 87 (9/16 Missed opportunities costs Pirates)
Brandon Lowe reached 30 home runs and the Pirates tied the franchise record for homers in a series. What did Lowe attribute his latest 30-homer season to? Also, what made Jacob Misiorowski so effective and what sort of statement might Rafael Flores Jr. be making. Lastly, Jason Mackey breaks down the key play in the game: third-base coach Tony Beasley holding Nick Gonzales in the fourth inning.
Pirates Insider Podcast, Episode 86 (9/15 How impactful have injuries been?)
Losing Konnor Griffin, Oneil Cruz and Ryan O'Hearn had an impact. But how large? And when did things really get difficult? If the Pirates continue their strong September, what does that tell us for 2027? Lastly, Brandon Lowe is the Pirates' Clemente Award nominee, and there was a fun event at Legacy Hall on Monday night. Jason Mackey breaks it all down here.
Pirates Insider Podcast, Episode 85 (9/14 What we learned in Cubs series)
What has led to Bubba Chandler's evolution during the second half of this season? Why doesn't Brandon Lowe get enough credit -- and also, what about that extension? Ryan O'Hearn has been another welcome respite for the Pirates. Let's talk about his recovery. Lastly, where do the Pirates stand at this point in the season and what to watch for over the final homestand. Jason Mackey tackles all of this on Monday's edition of the Pirates Insider Podcast.
Pirates Insider Podcast, Episode 84 (9/11 Let's talk about this 1-0 stuff)
Jared Jones shoved in maybe his best outing all season. What led to it? Oneil Cruz hit his first homer in 47 at-bats. Could this be the start of something even bigger for him? It's also time to talk about this 1-0 mindset. Where and when did it start? And what does it entail? Jason Mackey breaks it all down right here.
Pirates Insider Podcast, Episode 83 (9/10 Pirates survive drama to take series)
Tempers flared and benches emptied. Rookies contributed. Another bullpen day worked. And Jared Triolo worked some defensive magic. So many storylines to unpack in this one. What went right for the pitching staff? How did Esmerlyn Valdez, Konnor Griffin and Rafael Flores Jr. contribute? What set off the benches-clearing ... argument? Jason Mackey breaks down all of that and more.
Pirates Insider Podcast, Episode 82 (9/9 What fueled this offensive explosion?)
The Pirates scored three runs over the weekend and five in the first inning Tuesday. What sparked the Pirates? Furthermore, what was it about their approach that led to success? Bubba Chandler started and was outstanding. What pitch was key for him in this one? Jason Mackey dives into all of that and a bunch of crazy numbers on this edition of the Pirates Insider Podcast.
Pirates Insider Podcast, Episode 81 (9/8 Mailbag: Impact of O'Hearn, Cherington's future and more)
With the off-day, plenty of listener questions to address. Who goes when Ryan O'Hearn returns? What will the outfield mix look like? How will the Pirates look at Ben Cherington's future? Where do the Pirates spend in free agency this winter? Jason Mackey addresses all of those and more on today's episode.
Pirates Insider Podcast, Episode 80 (9/7 Starting pitching trending up)
Paul Skenes started against his childhood team, but the takeaway was bigger than that. He delivered 5 1/3 shutout innings, dropping the ERA for Pirates starters over the past 12 games to 2.95. Not surprisingly, they're 8-4 in that span. What to make of Skenes' outing? What did Henry Davis adjust? Also, where does another series victory put the Pirates in the playoff hunt? Jason Mackey breaks all of that down and more.
Pirates Insider Podcast, Episode 79 (9/4 Why Thursday's win mattered)
The Pirates stayed on schedule by wrapping up a series victory over the Giants. What was unique about the way the Pirates scored? Also, Khristian Curtis was recalled and made another positive impression. Jack Mangum was a "spark plug" for the Pirates, and is Friday a realistic return date for Konnor Griffin? Speaking of that, what can we expect from Griffin when he does return? Jason Mackey discusses all of that, plus this year's Pirates Hall of Fame class on today's podcast.
Pirates Insider Podcast, Episode 78 (9/3 This was one they needed to have)
The Pirates suffered a 5-4 loss in 10 inning to the Giants on Wednesday. It was a game they absolutely had to have. What happened in the fifth inning? The bigger story was Carmen Mlodzinski and why the Pirates took him out after three innings and just 30 pitches. Jason Mackey breaks down that, as well as a few other things that contributed to the loss.
Pirates Insider Podcast, Episode 77 (9/2 Winning ugly matters, too)
The Pirates' win over the Giants on Tuesday was not a Mozart. However, they did what they needed to do to keep hope alive during this homestand. What mattered about the Pirates' big third inning? Are there concerns for the bullpen? What about Paul Skenes' start? And are they missing Ryan O'Hearn? Jason Mackey breaks all of that down here.
Pirates Insider Podcast, Episode 76 (9/1 What's happened with the bullpen?)
Mason Montgomery was one of the best relievers in baseball in August. What has led to that? Furthermore, how did the Pirates become one of the best bullpens since the MLB Trade Deadline? With rosters expanding Tuesday, who are the candidates on the pitching and hitting sides? Jason Mackey tackles all of that on the off day.
Pirates Insider Podcast, Episode 75 (8/31 Still hope for the Pirates?)
The Pirates finished their road trip at 4-5, but they've won four of five series. What does that mean for this homestand? And, is there still a chance? One thing that has become a weapon: their bullpen. What sort of get-right performances did the Pirates get over the weekend in St. Louis, and what might have Paul Skenes found in his last start? Jason Mackey breaks it all down right here.
Pirates Insider Podcast, Episode 74 (8/28 Mailbag edition)
What did Paul Skenes find in his last start, and what does that mean moving forward? Will the lockout have anything to do with Bob Nutting's after-the-season decision-making on Ben Cherington? What future does Endy Rodriguez have with the Pirates? A bunch of great questions this week. Jason Mackey digs into them here.
Pirates Insider Podcast, Episode 73 (8/27 RISP issues & starting pitching)
The Pirates couldn't pull off a sweep of the Padres. The culprit wasn't hard to identify: They struggled hitting with runners in scoring position. What was the damage and how can they fix it? Also, the starting pitching was very good in this series. What led to it? And is it sustainable? Lastly, Endy Rodriguez is lost for the season. What does that mean for the Pirates? Jason Mackey breaks it all down here.
Pirates Insider Podcast, Episode 72 (8/26 Did Paul Skenes find something?)
Paul Skenes had his best start in some time against the Padres. What led to it and why should Pirates feel encouraged moving forward? Oneil Cruz homered in the ninth off Mason Miller. What did that say about his maturity? Lastly, the bullpen has been outstanding recently. What has led to it? Jason Mackey breaks all of that down and more.
Pirates Insider Podcast, Episode 71 (8/25 Nick Gonzales saves the day)
The Pirates were 0 for 13 with runners in scoring position and had stranded 12 before Nick Gonzales came through in the clutch. What about big innings for Kirby Yates and Yohan Ramirez? Also, the Pirates got a few more big performances from relievers. Could Esmerlyn Valdez's home run spark him? Lastly, Braxton Ashcraft delivered another solid performance and had some thoughts on a silly rule. Jason Mackey breaks it all down here.
Pirates Insider Podcast, Episode 70 (8/24 What went wrong in Dodgers series?)
The Pirates lost three games to the Dodgers over the weekend. What was the difference? Ben Cherington believes this team is still capable of making a run. What would have to happen for that to be the case? Lastly, Khristian Curtis was a bright spot Sunday. Could he stick around? Jason Mackey breaks it all down here.
Pirates Insider Podcast, Episode 69 (8/21 Nine storylines for road trip)
The Pirates are starting what could be a season-defining road trip. In this episode of the Pirates Inside Podcast, Jason Mackey dives into nine storylines to follow. They range from the quality of the opponents to Paul Skenes, the fifth start spot, Esmerlyn Valdez and how Konnor Griffin and Ryan O'Hearn factor in to all of this.
Pirates Insider Podcast, Episode 68 (8/20 Most important win of the year?)
Brandon Lowe walked it off, and Rafael Flores Jr. hit two home runs despite not being in the starting lineup. Why do both of those individual stories matter so much? And why was this potentially the biggest win of the year for the Pirates? Also, what to make of Paul Skenes' latest outing? Jason Mackey breaks it all down right here.
Pirates Insider Podcast, Episode 67 (8/19 Ashcraft, Oneil Cruz play the hits)
We've seen this movie before. Oneil Cruz hit a key home run in his first game back. Meanwhile, Braxton Ashcraft nearly replicated his career-best start. What went into both of those? And what do they mean for the Pirates' chances moving forward? Why was Tuesday's game especially important? Jason Mackey breaks it all down here.
Pirates Insider Podcast, Episode 66 (8/18 What to do with Carmen Mlodzinski?)
Carmen Mlodzinski struggled during the Pirates' 8-5 loss to the Tigers on Monday night at PNC Park. What gave him trouble? And what should the Pirates do about his role? Before the game, the Pirates got some good news on Oneil Cruz, Konnor Griffin and Ryan O'Hearn. Jason Mackey breaks it all down here.
Pirates Insider Podcast, Episode 65 (8/17 Red Sox series represented progress)
The Pirates beat the Red Sox, 8-3, on Sunday at PNC Park to win the series. What did the bullpen show us? Also, what is there to take out of the offensive side, especially as it relates to Esmerlyn Valdez, Bryan Reynolds and Brandon Lowe? Ben Cherington also talked about the Paul Skenes decision and Oneil Cruz's timeline. Jason Mackey breaks it all down here.
Pirates Insider Podcast, Episode 64 (8/14 The impact of Braxton Ashcraft's gem)
Braxton Ashcraft was outstanding Thursday against the Marlins. What led to it? And what about that relationship with Rafael Flores Jr.? Speaking of Flores, with Endy Rodriguez going on the IL again, what does that mean for his situation. The Pirates also got some production from unlikely sources. Jason Mackey breaks it all down here.
Pirates Insider Podcast, Episode 63 (8/13 Don Kelly unhappy with fight shown)
The Pirates lost again to the Marlins, this time by an 8-2 score at loanDepot Park. Carmen Mlodzinski struggled, the offense was once again quiet, and mistakes cost the Pirates. But the bigger story might've been postgame, when Don Kelly said he wasn't happy with the amount of fight shown. What else has bothered Kelly? How did players take his comments? And what's been happening with Mlodzinski? Jason Mackey breaks it all down here.
Pirates Insider Podcast, Episode 62 (8/12 Why did they pull Paul Skenes?)
The Pirates suffered a 2-0 loss to the Marlins at loanDepot Park on Tuesday. Why did the Pirates pull Paul Skenes after just innings and 65 pitches? And, is there any greater concern moving forward? Jason Mackey discusses that, as well as a few catching storylines on the podcast.
Pirates Insider Podcast, Episode 60 (8/10 Something needs to change -- now)
The Pirates finished a stretch of 17 games in 17 days at 5-12, obviously not good enough. Jared Jones allowed eight earned runs over three-plus innings. Same deal. Something has to change. The Pirates are 5.5 games out of the final Wild Card spot in the NL and trending in the wrong direction. Jason Mackey breaks down the starting pitching, the offense and much more.
Pirates Insider Podcast, Episode 59 (8/7 What now after difficult road trip?)
Brandon Lowe offered some important perspective after the Pirates' 5-2 loss to the Brewers on Thursday. What needs to happen for them against the Mets? Also, let's talk about playing better baseball, the offense and Braxton Ashcraft's start. What should we look for out of Carmen Mlodzinski's start on Friday? Jason Mackey breaks it all down here.
Pirates Insider Podcast, Episode 58 (8/6 Offense, Paul Skenes fail to get back on track)
Both the Pirates and Paul Skenes could use some positive momentum. They didn't get it Wednesday against the Brewers. What frustrated Skenes? Why did the Pirates have problems with Milwaukee starter Kyle Harrison? Before the game, the Pirates released Marcell Ozuna, and we found out Endy Rodriguez would catch Skenes rather than Henry Davis. Jason Mackey breaks it all down here.
Pirates Insider Podcast, Episode 57 (8/5 Slow night for offense, Jones frustrated)
The Pirates lost, 4-2, to the Brewers on Tuesday. What's going on with the offense? Jared Jones was also frustrated with himself. Why? We breakdown that, as well as some individual performances that need to change soon. Jason Mackey also talks about the new guys and what they think of joining the Pirates.
Pirates Insider Podcast, Episode 56 (8/4 Trade deadline special!)
The Pirates added right-handed relievers Luke Weaver, Kirby Yates and Lake Bachar at the trade deadline. What do they like about those guys and how do they fit? Also, Mitch Keller was lost for the season with a teres major muscle injury. Who takes his spot in the starting rotation? Lastly, the Pirates won a game over the Brewers in impressive fashion. Jason Mackey breaks it all down here.
Pirates Insider Podcast, Episode 55 (8/3 Frustration in Cincy and Doval deal)
The Pirates dropped three of four in Cincinnati. On Sunday, Mitch Keller struggled a bunch. What went wrong? And what needs to change for the Pirates to snap out of this funk? They also made a trade Saturday, acquiring Camilo Doval from the Yankees for two prospects. Jason Mackey breaks all of that down in Monday's edition of the podcast.
Pirates Insider Podcast, Episode 54 (7/31 Loss can't become something more)
The Reds were one run better than the Pirates on Thursday. There were mistakes, sure. But reality is that they've lost three in a row and eight of 13. This can't continue. Yohan Ramirez, Hunter Barco and Noah Murdock bent but didn't break. Brandon Lowe homered, and Nick Gonzales had two hits. Jason Mackey breaks it all down here.
Pirates Insider Podcast, Episode 53 (7/30 Disappointing series end)
Jared Jones was once again very good, but the Pirates couldn't get the bats going against Eduardo Rodriguez. What has plagued them against left-handed starters? Plus, what's up with Seth Hernandez and Oneil Cruz? What about this stretch against teams .500 or better. Jason Mackey breaks it all down here.
Pirates Insider Podcast, Episode 52 (7/29 A lot ... but with plenty of positives)
The Pirates lost to the Diamondbacks, 8-7, in 12 innings on Tuesday. However, if you take a big-picture view, there was actually more good than bad. They erased a six-run deficit. They did some damage to Arizona's bullpen, their big three are producing again, and the bullpen had a sneaky good performance. Jason Mackey works through the many storylines from a wild game.
Pirates Insider Podcast, Episode 51 (7/28 Diving deeper on Brandon Lowe's importance)
Brandon Lowe delivered a walkoff single to help the Pirates beat the Diamondbacks on Monday at PNC Park. But the victory included much more than that. What stood out about Mitch Keller's start? Did the bullpen provide some sort of template? And what's the concern over Esmerlyn Valdez's injury? Jason Mackey breaks it all down here.
Pirates Insider Podcast, Episode 50 (7/27 Beating the Cubs, trade deadline and more)
The Pirates won an important game against the Cubs. How meaningful were home runs hit by Ryan O'Hearn and Shawn Ross? And what do they say about the team culture? Jason Mackey also breaks down the Derek Curiel signing and the Pirates' LSU connection before delving into general manager Ben Cherington's comments about the trade deadline.