LOCKED-IN: The Pirates Should PROTECT Multiple Players Before the Rule 5 Draft

Pittsburgh Pirates face tough Rule 5 roster decisions: Will big bats and high-octane arms find protection or risk being cut? Esmerlyn Valdez’s power surge and Brandon Bidois shutdown relief profile headline the debate, while Antoine Kelly’s eye-popping velocity tempts rivals. Is Pittsburgh ready to let go of struggling contributors like Jack Suwinski and Joey Bart to make room for rising talent? Gary Morgan breaks down the Pirates’ strategy for balancing roster health and upside, exploring possible non-tenders, free agent flexibility, and reliever logjams. Key insights include the futures of Wilber Dotel and Omar Alfonso, potential trade signals, and how Ben Cherington’s decisions could reshape the Buccos’ upcoming season. With crucial spots in play and offseason expectations rising, can the Pirates finally commit to bold moves for 2026? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER : 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.