UNSENTIMENTAL: Pirates Move Past Andrew McCutchen—Did Pittsburgh MAKE the Right Call?

Franchise legend Andrew McCutchen signs with the Texas Rangers, officially closing his Pittsburgh Pirates chapter and sparking debate—can the Bucs move forward without their MVP icon? Gary Morgan unpacks the emotional and strategic fallout of McCutchen’s departure, examining why there was no path for meaningful playing time in Pittsburgh and whether the Pirates made the right call letting him go. Hear behind-the-scenes insights into GM Ben Cherington, Bob Nutting, and potential player influence as Pittsburgh prioritizes roster flexibility and DH production. Plus, take a comprehensive look at the Pirates’ rapidly crystallizing bullpen for 2026, featuring arms like Dennis Santana, Gregory Soto, Mason Montgomery, and top prospects Wilbur Dotel and Brandan Bidois. Listener AMA questions spark analysis on Henry Davis’s swing adjustment and the Cincinnati Reds’ rotation shakeup after Hunter Greene’s injury. Locked On Pirates remains your essential stop for passionate, informed baseball analysis and the latest roster battles.