Two weeks into spring training, NS9LIVE! took a step back and asked the big question: do the Pirates’ offseason moves already feel like they’re paying off?
With Anthony DiNardo, Doug (“Dougie Fresh”), Nate, and Pirates beat writer Alex Stumpf at The Cut Golf & Grill, the conversation centered on how different this roster looks — and how quickly the newcomers are fitting in. Jhostynxon Garcia (a.k.a. “The Password”) has flashed what the Pirates hoped for: improved at-bat quality, athleticism, and the kind of daily work that makes you believe there’s more ceiling to unlock. Brandon Lowe has looked like the middle-of-the-order presence this lineup has been missing for years, while Jake Mangum has been every bit the grinder fans were told to expect — energy, defense, baserunning, and a “do anything to win” vibe that plays anywhere.
But the biggest ripple might be the leadership layer. Marcell Ozuna’s influence was a major theme, especially how it’s resonating with the Latin players and the way it’s already showing up with Oneil Cruz. Ryan O’Hearn‘s comments about the group giving off “past Orioles” vibes added fuel to the optimism: a team that believes it’s on the verge of taking a real step.
Stumpf also broke down the trade that happened tonight where the Pirates sent Kyle Nicolas and in return landed Tyler Callihan from the Reds.
Watch the full NS9LIVE! episode on YouTube and catch the audio feed wherever you listen to podcasts, then tell us: which offseason move feels like the biggest difference-maker so far?
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