Baseball Is Breaking: Did the Dodgers Just Force the Salary Cap Conversation?

We’re joined by Pittsburgh Pirates first-round pick Seth Hernandez for a special episode of North Shore Nine presented by FanDuel. Jim and Seth rip open 2025 Bowman Draft packs, react to pulling his own cards and autographs, and talk about his first offseason in the Pirates organization. Seth shares what life has been like at Pirate City, his experience pitching in the Dominican, collecting his own Topps cards, signing with his jersey number, and what he’s most excited about heading into spring training. Plus, stories about his high school teammates, dual autograph cards, prospect development, and what it’s like seeing your own card sell for insane prices online. Whether you’re a Pirates fan, a prospect junkie, or a card collector, this one’s a blast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ben Cherington spoke. Andrew McCutchen responded. And now the future of Cutch in Pittsburgh feels more uncertain than ever. On this live episode of Bucco Brew, we break down McCutchen’s social media comments, Cherington’s answers at PiratesFest, and what it all really means for whether Cutch comes back in 2026. Is this just bad timing and awkward messaging, or is the door quietly closing on a Pirates reunion? We also talk about how the Pirates are handling this, whether they owe McCutchen a clearer answer, and what a one year deal would actually mean for the roster. Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee Use Promo Code NS9 for 30% off your first order at https://www.gritily.com Use Promo Code NORTHSHORENINE for $20 off your first order at https://www.seatgeek.com LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the show! NS9 MERCH: https://northshorenine.myshopify.com ►Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NorthShoreNine ►Website: https://www.northshorenine.com ►Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/northshorenine ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@northshorenine ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorenine ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northshorenine ►Discord: https://discord.gg/3HVYPg544m Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jim from North Shore Nine is joined by Pittsburgh Pirates 2025 third-round pick Easton Carmichael for a fun, laid-back episode ripping open 2025 Bowman Draft cards and hunting for his First Bowman auto. Easton shares behind-the-scenes stories about his Bowman card photo being photoshopped before he ever wore a Pirates uniform, signing thousands of autographs, and the wild details hidden in his own card. The conversation also dives into his jump from SEC baseball at Oklahoma to pro ball in Greensboro, what surprised him most about minor league competition, and what he’s learned so far in the Pirates system. They talk Bradenton minicamp, spring training expectations, catching Seth Hernandez, and what Easton is most excited about heading into his first full pro season — plus plenty of card pulls, prospect chatter, and Pirates development talk along the way. Subscribe to North Shore Nine for more Pirates interviews, prospect content, and sicko baseball conversations. Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9ZY250XUYiS-yX7xOQCdLA/join Use Promo Code NS9 for 30% off your first order at https://www.gritily.com Use Promo Code NORTHSHORENINE for $20 off your first order at https://www.seatgeek.com LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the show! NS9 MERCH: https://northshorenine.myspreadshop.com ►Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NorthShoreNine ►Website: https://www.northshorenine.com ►Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/northshorenine ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@northshorenine ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorenine ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northshorenine ►Discord: https://discord.gg/3HVYPg544m ►BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/northshorenine.bsky.social Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tyler and Nathan recap everything from PiratesFest and break down what actually mattered from the day. They talk about how smooth the event went this year after the incidents that happened last year, plus the fan Q&A sessions with Ben Cherington, Don Kelly, and Travis Williams. From Andrew McCutchen’s future to the organization’s commitment to winning, there was no shortage of real topics that fans actually care about. They dig into Oneil Cruz’s 2026 outlook, the optimism they felt from fans in the room, and Travis Williams’ comments about accountability. They also discuss whether Ben Cherington is actually in on Eugenio Suárez and what Don Kelly meant when he said multiple players need to take real steps forward in 2026 for this team to be good. A full PiratesFest reaction show with takeaways, quotes, and what it all means for the 2026 Pirates. Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee Use Promo Code NS9 for 30% off your first order at https://www.gritily.com Use Promo Code NORTHSHORENINE for $20 off your first order at https://www.seatgeek.com LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the show! NS9 MERCH: https://northshorenine.myshopify.com ►Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NorthShoreNine ►Website: https://www.northshorenine.com ►Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/northshorenine ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@northshorenine ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorenine ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northshorenine ►Discord: https://discord.gg/3HVYPg544m Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tonight on WNS9+, we’re joined by former Pirates catcher and current SportsNet Pittsburgh analyst Michael “Fort” McKenry for a conversation that’s going to hit every nerve Pirates fans have right now. We start with Andrew McCutchen — why a return to Pittsburgh feels unlikely even though fans want it, and the debate Cutch has leaned into himself: can he still play the outfield? Fort doesn’t just give an opinion — he lays out why he believes Cutch still has more in the tank, including why he thinks Cutch can be better at the plate than he was last season. Then we flip to Fort’s home turf: the catching picture. What should the Pirates do with Henry Davis, Endy Rodriguez, Joey Bart, and Rafael Flores? Who fits best, what’s realistic, and what’s the biggest thing fans miss when evaluating catchers? We wrap with the left field mix and what additions like Jake Mangum and Jhostynxon Garcia could mean for the roster and the lineup. Catch the full episode on WNS9+ and drop your take in the comments: Are you bringing Cutch back — and where are you playing him? Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee Use Promo Code NS9 for 30% off your first order at https://www.gritily.com Use Promo Code NORTHSHORENINE for $20 off your first order at https://www.seatgeek.com LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the show! NS9 MERCH: https://northshorenine.myshopify.com ►Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NorthShoreNine ►Website: https://www.northshorenine.com ►Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/northshorenine ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@northshorenine ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorenine ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northshorenine ►Discord: https://discord.gg/3HVYPg544m #pittsburghpirates Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today on Bucco Brew, DiNardo is joined by Anthony Murphy from Bucs On Deck, filling in for Jim as the Pirates prospect conversation takes center stage. With the MLB International signing period officially underway and an updated top prospects list right around the corner, the timing could not be better. Murphy breaks down what the Pirates did on the international market, which signings stand out early, and how this class fits into the bigger picture of the system. From there, the conversation shifts to the farm, including prospects Murphy is closely watching and who could take real steps forward heading into 2026. It is a forward-looking episode focused on development, pipeline depth, and where the next wave of Pirates talent could come from. If you want context on the international signings and an informed look at the organization’s future, this is a must-listen. Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee Use Promo Code NS9 for 30% off your first order at https://www.gritily.com Use Promo Code NORTHSHORENINE for $20 off your first order at https://www.seatgeek.com LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the show! NS9 MERCH: https://northshorenine.myshopify.com ►Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NorthShoreNine ►Website: https://www.northshorenine.com ►Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/northshorenine ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@northshorenine ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorenine ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northshorenine ►Discord: https://discord.gg/3HVYPg544m Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this podcast, we break down 5 Pittsburgh Pirates prospects who could push their way into the organization’s Top 10 in 2026 — not rankings, just real paths: loud tools, real production, and what each guy has to prove this season to take the jump. Which one of these 5 are you buying as the next big riser? And who did we leave off? Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9ZY250XUYiS-yX7xOQCdLA/join Use Promo Code NS9 for 30% off your first order at https://www.gritily.com Use Promo Code NORTHSHORENINE for $20 off your first order at https://www.seatgeek.com LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the show! NS9 MERCH: https://northshorenine.myspreadshop.com ►Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NorthShoreNine ►Website: https://www.northshorenine.com ►Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/northshorenine ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@northshorenine ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorenine ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northshorenine ►Discord: https://discord.gg/3HVYPg544m ►BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/northshorenine.bsky.social Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tonight on The Point, we’ve got a loaded panel and three debates that cut straight to the core of where the Pittsburgh Pirates — and baseball — are headed. Joining the panel: Jose Negron of DK Pittsburgh Sports, Dominic Campbell from Pirates On SI, Nutzy Poo (MLB The Show streamer), and our very own Doug. With PiratesFest just a week away, we kick things off by asking the question fans are already debating: will Andrew McCutchen be part of it — and should he still be a Pirate in 2026? Then we zoom out to the big picture. After the Los Angeles Dodgers handed Kyle Tucker a massive $240M deal, is MLB officially at a breaking point — and is it finally time to talk salary cap? And finally, with the New York Mets landing Bo Bichette, do the Mets suddenly make sense as a trade partner to solve the Pirates’ hole at third base? Strong opinions. No fence-sitting. Let’s debate. Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee Use Promo Code NS9 for 30% off your first order at https://www.gritily.com Use Promo Code NORTHSHORENINE for $20 off your first order at https://www.seatgeek.com LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the show! NS9 MERCH: https://northshorenine.myshopify.com ►Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NorthShoreNine ►Website: https://www.northshorenine.com ►Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/northshorenine ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@northshorenine ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorenine ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northshorenine ►Discord: https://discord.gg/3HVYPg544m Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of WNS9+, we’re joined by Dallas Braden—and this isn’t just a national baseball conversation. From the Pirates’ offseason decisions and organizational direction to a deep look at the pitching staff through the eyes of a former big-league pitcher, this is an honest, thoughtful conversation about where this team stands—and where it still needs to go. What does Dallas like about the foundation being built in Pittsburgh? What concerns him? And what does he still want to see before fully buying in on this group? This is perspective from someone who’s been in the league, respects the process, and isn’t afraid to say what still matters. A must-listen for Pirates fans looking for insight beyond the usual echo chamber. Oh, and we are definitely going to have a lot of fun. It is Dallas Braden after-all. Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee Use Promo Code NS9 for 30% off your first order at https://www.gritily.com Use Promo Code NORTHSHORENINE for $20 off your first order at https://www.seatgeek.com LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the show! NS9 MERCH: https://northshorenine.myshopify.com ►Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NorthShoreNine ►Website: https://www.northshorenine.com ►Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/northshorenine ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@northshorenine ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorenine ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northshorenine ►Discord: https://discord.gg/3HVYPg544m Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Pirates have made moves this offseason. The roster looks better. The vibes are improving. And yet… it still feels like something is missing. On this episode of Bucco Brew, we’re asking the question every Pirates fan is quietly (or loudly) thinking: are they actually done? We break down what the current roster says about the team’s confidence, where the biggest question marks remain, and whether trusting internal options is enough for a team that believes it can contend. Is this a “wait until the deadline” situation? Is one more bat or arm the difference between meaningful baseball and another near-miss? Or is this simply the roster we’re riding with into Opening Day? Grab your coffee, join the conversation, and decide for yourself: Do the Pirates need one more move… or are we asking for too much? ️️ Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee Use Promo Code NS9 for 30% off your first order at https://www.gritily.com Use Promo Code NORTHSHORENINE for $20 off your first order at https://www.seatgeek.com LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the show! NS9 MERCH: https://northshorenine.myshopify.com ►Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NorthShoreNine ►Website: https://www.northshorenine.com ►Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/northshorenine ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@northshorenine ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorenine ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northshorenine ►Discord: https://discord.gg/3HVYPg544m Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.