North Shore Nine

Tyler and Nathan break down everything that mattered from PiratesFest in this full reaction show, recapping a much smoother event than last year and diving into the biggest takeaways from the day.

They start with the overall vibe of the event and how noticeable the improvement was in organization and flow compared to 2025. After last year’s chaos, PiratesFest 2026 felt cleaner, calmer, and more fan-friendly, which set the tone for a more positive experience overall.

A major focus of the show is the fan Q&A sessions with Ben Cherington, Don Kelly, and Travis Williams. Tyler and Nathan discuss the topics that stood out, including Andrew McCutchen’s future and what it might actually mean for the roster moving forward. They also unpack the organization’s repeated messaging about being serious about winning and whether that tone shift feels real or just familiar rhetoric.

Oneil Cruz’s 2026 outlook is another key discussion point, especially what the Pirates realistically need from him for this team to take a step forward. The guys also talk about the optimism they felt from fans in the room and how that energy contrasted with the frustration that’s been building over recent seasons.

Travis Williams’ comments about accountability sparked a deeper conversation about what that actually looks like in practice. Is accountability just a buzzword, or is it something the organization is finally ready to enforce? That question ties directly into Don Kelly’s message that several players need to take real steps forward in 2026 for this team to be good.

They also get into whether Ben Cherington is actually in on Eugenio Suárez and what that pursuit would signal about the Pirates’ offseason priorities.

It’s a full PiratesFest recap with real takeaways, honest reactions, and what it all means for the direction of the 2026 Pirates.

Watch or listen to the full episode to hear the complete breakdown and join the conversation.