North Shore Nine

On this episode of Bucco Brew, the conversation centered on a simple but pressing question: are the Pirates actually finished making moves this offseason?

With Ryan O’Hearn officially added to the roster and Chase Shugart designated for assignment, the guys broke down what the move says about how the Pirates evaluate bullpen arms versus pure results. From there, the focus shifted quickly to the NL Central landscape, especially after the Cubs added Alex Bregman and continued to separate themselves from the pack. While the Pirates have clearly improved, the gap remains—and it’s a sizable one.

Ben Cherington’s recent comments offered some encouragement, as he openly acknowledged the need to add pitching, bullpen depth, and at least one more bat. The discussion zeroed in on what “one more move” really means, why settling for value plays won’t be enough, and how payroll ultimately determines whether this team is serious about contending. The bench construction, left side of the infield, and overall depth all remain major talking points heading toward Opening Day.

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Watch or listen to the full episode now on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform and join the conversation.