The Pirates' Pitching Factory Has a Problem

What happens to Nick Gonzales if the Pittsburgh Pirates can’t bring back Brandon Lowe? On today’s OffBeat mailbag, Alex Stumpf explains why moving Gonzales back to second base might be Pittsburgh’s best option and which infielders could make sense at third base. Plus, Alex answers your questions about whether the Pirates need a left-handed starting pitcher, what to expect from Esmerlyn Valdez, and whether Bryan Reynolds should begin transitioning into a full-time DH role. Topics: Nick Gonzales’ future at second base Brandon Lowe and the Pirates’ infield plans Edmundo Sosa and potential third-base additions Pittsburgh’s need for left-handed pitching Esmerlyn Valdez’s upside Bryan Reynolds and the DH conversation Download the NS9 app: https://northshorenine.com/get-app Read Alex’s Book Rule Bucs: https://bookrulebucs.substack.com/ #LetsGoBucs #Pirates #MLB #OffBeat Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nate Osler has apparently started an international incident with Blue Jays fans, and Cody Kohlman is here to hear all about it. On Episode 2 of Ahoy Matey!, the guys break down Nate's ongoing feud with Canada, the bizarre suspensions hitting Pirates Twitter, and Paul Skenes stepping into the sumo wrestling ring in Japan. Then things get even weirder as Cody and Nate decide which Pittsburgh Pirates players would dominate other sports, from Olympic bobsledding to the famous racing sausages. Plus, Nate has some complaints about the NS9 card game, and the guys reveal what's coming next week: the Pirates Hunger Games. Download our app! : https://apps.apple.com/us/app/north-shore-nine/id6771171000 : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.northshorenine.app Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9ZY250XUYiS-yX7xOQCdLA/join Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee 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.

The Pirates want Brandon Lowe back. They also need to move quickly this offseason. Can they accomplish both? On today's OffBeat, Alex Stumpf breaks down Ben Cherington's comments from the GM Meetings, Lowe's upcoming qualifying offer decision, and why Pittsburgh may be running out of time to address its biggest roster needs. With a potential MLB lockout approaching, waiting on Lowe could complicate everything. Chapters 00:00 – The Pirates' conflicting priorities 01:06 – What Ben Cherington said in Las Vegas 02:22 – Brandon Lowe's qualifying offer 04:15 – Can Pittsburgh make moves while waiting? 06:00 – The looming lockout 07:22 – Larine Co. 08:34 – Other ways to bring Lowe back 10:19 – Why Lowe is so important 12:01 – How long can the Pirates wait? Read Alex Stumpf's Book Rule Bucs: https://bookrulebucs.substack.com/ Download the NS9 app: https://northshorenine.com/get-app Today's episode is sponsored by Larine Co. Get up to 50% off: https://buylarine.com/northshore #Pirates #PittsburghPirates #MLB #BrandonLowe #OffBeat Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What's actually happening behind the scenes at MLB's GM Meetings, and how strong is the Pirates' farm system heading into 2027? Colin Beazley of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette joins us live from Las Vegas to discuss what he's seeing and hearing, Ben Cherington's comments about payroll flexibility, Brandon Lowe's future, potential trades, and how the looming lockout could impact Pittsburgh's offseason. Then, Mark Chiarelli from Baseball America joins us to break down the newly released Pirates Top 10 prospects! We'll discuss Seth Hernandez, Edward Florentino, Derek Curiel, Wyatt Sanford, Murf Gray, and which prospects could become future impact players. We'll wrap up with our own reactions, offseason thoughts, and quick hitters. Follow Colin's Pirates coverage at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/pirates Baseball America's 2027 Pirates Top 10 Prospects: https://www.baseballamerica.com/teams/2016-pittsburgh-pirates/prospects/ @eddiep_photos @timelessimagery.mtl Download our app! : https://apps.apple.com/us/app/north-shore-nine/id6771171000 : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.northshorenine.app Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee 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.

The Pirates have traded starting pitching to make their biggest offseason moves two winters in a row. But is that strategy running out of steam? On today’s OffBeat, Alex Stumpf examines whether Pittsburgh still has the pitching depth to pull off another significant trade. Mitch Keller and Carmen Mlodzinski could be options, but what would moving either mean for the rotation? Alex also breaks down the next wave of pitchers, including Khristian Curtis, Hunter Barco, Wilber Dotel and Antwone Kelly, and whether any could bring back the kind of return Pittsburgh has gotten in previous deals. Read Alex’s Book Rule Bucs: https://bookrulebucs.substack.com/ Download the NS9 app: https://northshorenine.com/get-app Today’s sponsor: Larine Co. — Save up to 50% at https://buylarine.com/northshore #Pirates #PittsburghPirates #MLB Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Should the Pittsburgh Pirates consider trading Spencer Horwitz this offseason? On today's OffBeat, Alex Stumpf examines Horwitz's dramatic first-half and second-half splits, the Pirates' depth at first base with Ryan O'Hearn, and why a weak free-agent market could create an opportunity to improve the 2027 roster. Alex also explores how a proposed MLB CBA change could affect Horwitz's remaining team control and why Pittsburgh should consider a major league-for-major league trade rather than moving him for prospects. Read Alex Stumpf's Book Rule Bucs: https://bookrulebucs.substack.com/ Download our app! : https://apps.apple.com/us/app/north-shore-nine/id6771171000 : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.northshorenine.app Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9ZY250XUYiS-yX7xOQCdLA/join Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee 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.

Should the Pirates bring back Brandon Lowe, or would they be better off spending that money elsewhere? On this week's Bucco Brew, we're putting two free agents head-to-head in a blind comparison. We'll look at their 2027 projections, expected contracts, and potential impact on the Pirates before revealing who they are. Which player would you rather have? Then, with MLB's GM Meetings getting underway, each host brings one trade target they believe Ben Cherington should pursue this offseason. We'll wrap things up with quick hitters from around the Pirates and MLB. Powered by De Fer Coffee & Tea. Use code NS930 for 30% off your order. Download our app! : https://apps.apple.com/us/app/north-shore-nine/id6771171000 : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.northshorenine.app Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee 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.

Could the looming MLB lockout actually help the Pittsburgh Pirates keep Brandon Lowe? On today's OffBeat, Alex Stumpf examines how a potentially slow free agent market could create an unexpected opportunity for Pittsburgh. With Lowe facing a qualifying offer decision and uncertainty surrounding the next CBA, the Pirates may have a chance to bring back one of their most important hitters. But that opportunity won't last forever. Alex explains why the Pirates need to act early, what a potential contract could look like, and why waiting until after the lockout could cost them. Read Alex Stumpf's Book Rule Bucs: https://bookrulebucs.substack.com/ Download our app! : https://apps.apple.com/us/app/north-shore-nine/id6771171000 : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.northshorenine.app Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9ZY250XUYiS-yX7xOQCdLA/join Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee 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.

Should the Pittsburgh Pirates give Murf Gray their starting third-base job in 2027? Alex Stumpf explains why he’s not ready to make that gamble, even after Gray’s impressive 2026 minor league season. In this Friday edition of OffBeat, Alex answers your Pirates mailbag questions, including: Why Murf Gray shouldn’t be Pittsburgh’s Opening Day plan at third base Whether the Pirates will make moves before December 1 What went wrong for Jhostynxon Garcia in 2026 Can Pittsburgh land another impact player from Japan or Korea? Could Seth Hernandez reach the majors in 2027? Should Esmerlyn Valdez play first base against left-handed pitching? Have a question for next Friday’s mailbag? Leave it in the comments! Read Alex Stumpf’s Book Rule Bucs: https://bookrulebucs.substack.com/ Download the FREE NS9 App: https://northshorenine.com/get-app Support North Shore Nine: https://northshorenine.com Today’s sponsor: Larine Co. Get up to 50% off at https://buylarine.com/northshore #Pirates #PittsburghPirates #MurfGray #MLB #OffBeat Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Pirates' 2027 promotional schedule is out, but Dollar Dog Night is nowhere to be found. So we came up with some giveaway ideas of our own. Welcome to Ahoy Matey!, the newest show from North Shore Nine, hosted by Cody Kohlman and Nate Osler. We're leaving the trade rumors and roster debates behind to talk about the fun, weird, and sometimes ridiculous side of Pirates baseball. In our first episode, we're breaking down the 2027 promotions, predicting the three mystery bobbleheads, and pitching our own dream giveaways. A Lake Bachar wig? A talking Jared Jones bobblehead? A Mike Tomlin Minecraft figurine? We've got some ideas. Cody and Nate each picked their three favorite imaginary giveaways. Watch the episode and tell us in the comments who wins. Download our app! : https://apps.apple.com/us/app/north-shore-nine/id6771171000 : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.northshorenine.app Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9ZY250XUYiS-yX7xOQCdLA/join Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee 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.