BREAKOUT SEASONS: Pittsburgh Pirates Starling Marte, Andrew McCutchen, & Josh Bell DOMINATE Decade

Locked On Pirates celebrates 10 years with a whirlwind look at a decade defined by breakout stars, heartbreak, and hope. From Starling Marte's electrifying 2016 campaign to Paul Skenes’ transformation of the Pirates’ pitching staff, which season stands as the decade’s most unforgettable? Gary Morgan breaks down iconic moments, including Andrew McCutcheon’s bounce-back, Josh Bell’s historic power surge, and the rise of David Bednar as an elite closer in MLB. Who leads the 2026 Pittsburgh Pirates MVP race—Brandon Lau with his record-setting home run pace, the consistency of Bryan Reynolds, or the electric potential of Oneil Cruz? Morgan debates the candidates, examines how pitching became the Pirates’ backbone, and teases whether a new franchise cornerstone is emerging. Reflections on the evolution of Locked On and MLB’s most fascinating rebuilding project fuel this fast-paced, nostalgia-packed episode. Can Pittsburgh finally turn potential into sustained contention?