Pittsburgh Pirates Remain Quiet As The Market Heats Up

Pittsburgh Pirates Remain Quiet As The Market Heats Up

[music] [music] Yo yo yo. Welcome to Bucko Brew powered by Defair Coffee and Tea. I'm your host Anthony Dinardo. With me we have Jim Rosati. What's up Jim? >> Good morning. Good morning. Glad to uh see that you're you're you're upright. >> Thank you. Yeah. Not doing too well this this uh this weekend. I left the winter meetings with a bug. >> Okay. >> But anyh who, we're here. [laughter] >> That's that's what you're going to leave it at. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I know it's uh you must have had a rough weekend is what it was what it sounds like. >> I slept a lot. >> I'll tell you what, for like for not being a fun weekend obviously I mean Friday I even talked about a little bit I had like a bit of a cold or a cough or something and yeah just congestion, cough, headache, body's all sore. I slept a lot and and like you know the negative of all that I slept a lot and that was really nice. It felt good to sleep. You can always tell if you're not feeling well because you just don't tweet at all. Like you just disappear from the earth when you get sick. >> Um >> yeah, >> you didn't tweet all weekend. Not once. >> I mean, I did, but just very rarely. >> I guess you tweeted Saturday morning and that was that was your last tweet. Well, Saturday, yeah, Saturday morning I woke up. I put out the video, did some stuff, >> and like I said, then the medicine kind of kicked in and I was out. >> Yeah. Well, you're here. >> But anyh who, we're here. >> We're here. Um, >> you know who else kind of sleepy? >> I was going to say you didn't miss much. >> No. >> In terms of uh activity, you actually didn't miss anything. What you did miss was another Pirates Target getting off the board. Yeah, I think maybe Ben also has the bug. Maybe he's been knocked out. >> Sleepy Ben. >> Yeah, >> I love the uh the the the winter of Ben. Sleepy Ben. Um it's it's the hashtags going around are funny. >> Yeah, Jim, we had some hopes. Now, I don't know if the hopes really fell on like, oh, you know, Kyle Schwarber is gonna be a pirate. Maybe a little bit. Maybe a little bit. But it was like, all right, I didn't expect the Pirates to even really entertain Kyle Schwarber, have $125 million contract. So, maybe there's some hope out there. I don't know how I feel right now. I don't know. Were we bamboozled? Were we hoodwinkedked? It it's just it what's interesting to me is you know earlier in the off seasonason Sharington and I talked about this on Saturday a tiny bit if you like follow our socials but um like earlier in the offseason he mentioned how he was like you know in hindsight we probably were too conservative the last couple off seasons and you know by the time they by the time they ended up signing it people it like everybody was off the board there wasn't anything available And I know there are still quite a few options left out there >> and there are ways to make this team better, but it's just like every single time you hear, "Hey, the Pirates are in on this guy. The Pirates are in on this guy." Uh, and that guy goes to another team, like that's just one less opportunity that you've got to be better heading into 2026. And what doesn't give me, you know, the warm and fuzzy feelings is we haven't really seen this general manager execute under pressure or like be able to do these multiple moves that need to happen this off season to to put together a winning team. Like they they have to get better in multiple aspects here at multiple positions. And yeah, like Schwarber was always like Schwarber was a pipe dream that wasn't happening. Like Jorge Palanka was I think a realistic target >> for sure, >> you know. Um, and the Pirates by all accounts like they were they went after Jorge Palano really hard. Now, one thing that they weren't going to do is they weren't going to offer Jorge Palano over $20 million a year like the Mets did. you know, the Mets kind of had the Mets have probably had a worse off season than any than anybody. Like they they've lost their entire team. >> So like they had to go out there and do something. And I mean, let's face it, two years $40 million for Jorge Palano. Like that's no one was probably beating that. Like Jorge Palano is a good ball player, but over like you have to over $20 million a year for Jorge Palano might be pushing it. And so like the Mets the Mets had to do something and they did that. But no, it's it's um I said there's still time. There's still players. There's there's trades out there, but like we're not that far away now. We we've got two months before pitchers and catchers report and this team is lacking in several areas still. Uh, a lot of teams out there are getting are getting busy. They're signing people. Um, the Pirates did sign Gregory Sodto, which addressed a need, but you know, the obviously the the main thing we need to address here is offense, and that hasn't happened yet, >> right? I I'm nervous. I'm nervous. If if FanDuel were to put out odds on Ben Cherington acquiring a free agent to break the $39 million now, Jim, what do you think they would be at? Um, like plus 300. I don't know who out there the Pirates are going to sign for over $39 million. Like Ryan O'Harn, >> yeah, >> seems like the most realistic candidate now. And Ryan O'Harn's not getting 39 million bucks. So it it it's just like basically two chips fell off the table. Well, I guess three if you want to add Naylor, right? So So like three chips are off the table that the Pirates were in on and talking about. And you know, like the one of the things the common thing I've been talking about this offseason is the one positive about being so bad and and Ben's addressed this. Ben more or less said this, you know, like his [snorts] paraphrasing like a quote, but like when you're so bad, every hitter can help you out. Every hitter can improve you. You know what I mean? Like you can go so many different ways to improve this team. So your options are are not limited. They're very wide open. But it just like I'm just getting that feeling that those options are just really narrowing down even though it's just been three guys. But like I don't know like it would have been nice to have signed one of them. Now, we did mention a trade probably is likely first, but the trade hasn't happened either, you know, and it's like the the more that doesn't happen, the more free agents maybe look at this team and say, "Are you sure?" And maybe the more look I mean, let's be real, too. If you're a player, are they for real? Like, do you are you more in line with like Jim Bowen who's like, "This is just all PR stuff." I mean, yeah. Like, they're they're being leaked. like, hey, they offered Kyle Schwarber 4 for 125, highest AAV, you know, of any team. And like, sure, and I believe that's a legit offer and stuff, but like they're not really willing to go five years, which is pretty much known that Kyro won at five years. So, if they're not really willing to do what's necessary to add guys like are they for real? Are they gonna get like am I if I was Jorge Palank at this point in time like am I trusting Ben in this organization to also add around me or am I getting myself stuck here and then wanting a trade come June because like I'm regretting this move. So like nothing's happening. No, no, like the trade hasn't like the loud trade hasn't happened. Like nothing nothing is just really happening yet. And yes, like we keep talking about like it's it's all talk till it's action. Like we need action. We need something to show us. Gregory Stoodto was assigning, but like that's not enough to make anyone say, "Oh, well, this team's for real now. It's a need. It was good. We liked it in a vacuum, but I don't know. Like you said, like it's it's funny like they they recognize how they were conservative and it still seems like they're conservative. They weren't close on Naylor. They weren't close in Schwarber. I'm not sure. It doesn't sound like the offer was truly made for Palano. We haven't heard any come out, right? We know they were close on offering it. We know they wanted him, but I doubt they were close on on Palano either considering it was two for 40. So, like, are they doing what's necessary to secure the bag the opposite way to give the bag, [laughter] >> right? Like, I just don't I don't think they have learned. I think it's still like, okay, we're going to cast the net farther. We're going to cast it higher, right? We're going to go after guys that cost a little bit more, but we have the same mindset. Well, this guy's our our mind's worth this. Well, that's not going to get done because you have people out there saying, "All right, well then fine. We want you. We're going to give this to you. We're going to ensure that we get you." Yeah. Uh we haven't seen that yet. We have seen them do things that they haven't done before. Like they've never offered a contract like they did Schworber, but like you mentioned it, it wasn't enough. And like we knew it wasn't enough at night when the offer was made. You know, we you know, we on Bucko Brew last week in Orlando, we talked about how like, hey, four years over $und00 million. We didn't know the exact amount at that point in time. Like that's a that's a real offer, but it's like it's not going to get it done. Like no one no one thought that that was going to get it done. It's like you're gonna have to add a fifth year there. Um, and and really in the Pirates case, you probably needed to add a sixth. Like if you wanted a prize Schwarber from Philadelphia, you probably needed to add a sixth year uh and and and go from there. So yeah, they're they're they're not really close yet. I said they are they're they're certainly in in the famous Jason Mackey quote from a couple years ago. Like they do seem to be shopping in a different section of the store, but at this point they're just they're just looking around like a >> lot of act. >> Yeah. They're just hanging out like they're hanging out. Yeah. It's like they you know they walked into to you know Tiffany's and you know they're not even taking anything out of the case. They're not trying. They're just kind of looking right now. >> Um asking how much stuff costs, >> right? Uh, and >> they're coming out handing out the drink. Ben's like, "I don't Should I touch this? I don't I'm good. I'm good. Don't I'm I'm good. Don't mind me. Don't Don't worry about me." They're nervous. They're nervous. I've never been here before. I don't want to touch the jewelry. I can't do that. What if I break something? I can't pay for it. No, I'm good. They're nervous. They never shopped here before. They don't know how to act. They don't know what to do. >> Yeah, that's that's the best way of putting it. They're they're they're window shopping, but it's like they're serious about shopping, but yeah, like they're just they're just looking around, right? >> They're looking around and then, you know, the real buyers are coming in and swooping in and buying the stuff that they're looking at. >> Mhm. Yeah. Just put on the black card. You guys have my ID. You guys have information. Just run it. >> Not them. >> That's the Phillies. That's the Phillies for sure, >> right? Yep. Anywh who, let's tell you all about the fair coffee and tea as well. The fair is a family and employeeowned operated business. They believe that coffee and tea are one of life's simplest and most accessible pleasures and when enjoyed thoughtfully can open your eyes to the here and now. They have five locations across the city of Pittsburgh, including their flagship in the heart of Pittsburgh's historic strip district. Don't forget to stop by the fair's new location downtown on Penn Avenue, right across from the Benham. Grab a cup and fuel up on your walk to PNC Park. Mobile ordering is available. Check out their Instagram for more details. Of course, that is defair. And as you see below here, Jim, tell them how they get that 30%. >> Yeah, go to defair. Coffee. Use promo code NS930 uh when you're checking out and you'll get 30% off your entire order. So whether it's, you know, a $20 order, whether it's a $200 order, um 30% off. The more you get, the more you save. Uh Christmas time coming up. Yeah, now's the time to utilize that code if you haven't. Everybody loves coffee, tea. Go out there and grab some uh some some Defair for the holidays. Does Defair carry third baseman? Jared Triolo maybe. >> Okay, he's on the team so can't get the 30% off. >> No, he's already It's already there. >> Sorry, Ben. I'm trying to look out for you, buddy. I'm trying to find ways. Maybe I can help you >> and then in turn you can help me. >> But no, we'll just go through this another pathetic off season, have another 76 win team because, you know, that's good enough. All right, so speaking of third baseman, I do want to I [clears throat] do I mean we'll we'll pivot here. We we've talked about Palanco a little bit and we can talk a little bit about that more if we need to. But um something needs to happen this week with uh Munitaka Morami. There is that uh his deadline to sign is next Monday, December 22nd at 5:00 p.m. >> The Pirates have been one of uh several teams quote unquote >> interested in Morami. Um he does I I guess what's interesting here is, you know, if you're looking for the power, he's got that like like tons of power. There's clearly some flaws in this game, but but like yeah, I I mean, looking at the numbers being floated around, if they were willing to offer what they were for Schwarber, it does seem like Morakami may be in their their territory here. >> Um I don't know. It it's it would be it'd be great to make some sort of splash in free agency because then you don't really have to give up any sort of your prospect capital like it's just money and uh Morakami does have to make a decision, you know, in in a week. Uh so we'll we'll know we'll know in another week or so if uh if he's a pirate or if they miss out on another another bat that plays a position of need. And I guess in the majors Morami is most likely a first baseman or or maybe a DH. I don't know if you can plug him at third base. If you could, you know, that that would be great. Um but I think I I I don't know. I don't know about that. Okamoto's another one. his signing period isn't doesn't end until uh I think uh he's a little bit later. Um >> like a few days though. >> Yeah, I think Okamoto might be like Jan like the beginning of January though. Yeah, January 4th. So, a little bit more time for Okamoto. Um, but yeah, those are those are two interesting names because like Okamoto, I don't know if the ceiling is quite there, but he does seem to have a higher floor. And again, certainly in the Pirates price range if there were if they were dropping that kind of that kind of money with Schwarber. We had uh we had Dan on and and you know, the projection system seemed to like both of them. You know, Okamoto, I think they had he had projected like OPS plus above 110. uh more commies was certainly a little bit higher and then with the power but I don't know. What are your thoughts? Do you think the Pirates are are like gonna be serious players in either of these two guys? I don't know. I mean, if I say yes, they're just not going to. And I look stupid and dumb. I don't Sorry, Ben. I'm pleading the fifth on everything. I I I can't I don't believe in you. But no, for real, I I don't know because also too, like at least with, you know, the Schwarber, you were hearing a lot of smoke with him, you know, that led up to that and, you know, with Palano as well to some degree. And I just haven't heard anything, you know, like nothing since like the beginning when like the posting open more or less like, oh, you know, the Pirates are one of the teams that are interested. You know, at first I think it was like what 20ome teams had scouts there looking at him or whatever. You know, Pirates are one of them. Then it led up into like the offseason when he's posted that, you know, the Pirates are one of like maybe what 18s or something like that that are that are interested in him looking into him. That's all I've heard. The Pirates are doing a wonderful job looking at people and just hanging around, but it doesn't mean they're doing much. And even when they do, like a Schwarber or Palano or Naylor, they don't really do enough. So, I don't I don't know because and again, there's still some time left. It's not It's not like you've heard a whole lot from other teams either, right? Like I'm not trying to pinpoint the Pirates as if like the only team like it's just been radio silent more across more or less across the board for everybody, but like I'm just I'm just not hearing anything. It does make sense like if they liked the profile of Schwarber to go that route and maybe you're getting, you know, pennies on the dollar in the case of Schwarber, someone who's younger. I doubt he's going to be as good, but maybe he's close, you know, and that's that's the mindset, too. And you're getting, you know, good value in return for him as well. But I I I I don't know. Like I just can't honestly answer that. I I don't want to put my name attached to anything on this. I think you've heard my point of view. It's risky. I don't know if the Pirates are like I don't know if it's worth it for them to go for the risk here, but now at this point in time just like well I mean the options are just dwindling away. They got to do something. Maybe it's worth the risk in a sense. Uh again, I also want to I'm talking a lot this way because I'm nervous that they haven't changed their mindset. I'm I'm nervous that they're not going to be able to do what's needed. There's still plenty of options. Like it's not doomsday as if like it's Murami or Bust at this point in time. You know, again, there's still an earn out there. There's still Steven Kwan. There's still trade like plenty of trades to go out there with and such. Um it's not doomsday technically speaking at this point of time if they're willing to do what's needed to get it done. That's the point I'm nervous about right now, but I I think this could be a good pivot and missing out on Schwarber. >> Yeah. Yeah, I mean just a just real quick here. Murakami Zips projects 237 average, 363 OBP, 454 slugging. So they're projecting him to go over 800 OPS, 26 homers, 126 weighted runs created plus. So like it's saying that that you know that translates pretty well. Okamoto 252 average, 340 OBP, 451 slugging. So you're looking at high 700s OPS, 117 weighted runs created plus and 20 home runs for Okamoto. So I mean either of those two bats, you plug them into this lineup last year and those are the best hitters on the team. So yeah, I um I' Morakami is certainly more interesting because he's younger and has more power. Okamoto I feel like can probably play third base a little bit better. Uh so if that's a position you're looking to address, he you know he he he's a good plug in there and you know he can hit uh he can hit enough. Yeah. I I mean if I'm the Pirates, I'm I'm definitely kicking the tires on on both of these guys. And like I at this point I I'm probably signing one of them. Like you got to you got to do something. And I I this is a this is a point I was thinking about last night is, you know, it's been it's becoming quite clear to me that if the Pirates want a major league free agent to sign with them, they need to grossly overpay. Grossly overpay. Because who wants to come here? The perception around the league and the players association is terrible. It's awful. No one wants to come here no matter what they're saying or doing. Like players, this is a last resort for players. Now, money talks. Like players are going to go to the team that gives them the most money the majority of the time, but again, in free agency when you're bidding against other teams, you usually have to like the the winning team is usually over, you know, quote unquote overpaying anyways. It's not really an overpay if that's what a team's willing to to to pay. Like that's that's market value at that point. But you do seem to see that hitters especially and pitchers like they just get more money in free agency than you would expect. The Pirates just don't seem like they're in a position to do that. Um, so the difference with like maybe these guys, Okamoto, Morakami, is I mean I know it's not like baseball doesn't exist over there. Like baseball's Major League Baseball is definitely a thing, but I'm I'm curious on if like the perception of the Pittsburgh Pirates >> like internationally >> isn't as bad as it is here. You know, like here you're kind of ingrained in it like the players are all around each other. So, like if you're a free agent, you're very well aware that the Pirates just suck, right? And it's not a good place to be. Whereas I'm I'm I I don't I mean I wonder if from an international standpoint like that just means less to them. >> Yeah. >> Because, you know, their dream is, hey, I'm I I'm going to play Major League Baseball and they're just going to go to the place that offers them the best deal, right? Whereas with someone like Kyle Schwarber, if the Pirates turned around and offered him 5 years 155 million, right? Let's say they offered5 million more than the Phillies, like Schwarber's still not going to Pittsburgh, right? But like would Morakami or Okamoto go to Pittsburgh for $5 million more dollars? I >> I don't know. I think that's a that's a question I was thinking about last night was maybe like the you know there there's no pre there's there's no spot where they've been for a while that they'd prefer to go to like kind of everyone's on an evil even even playing field here. Um so I I wonder if you're just chances of signing one of these two guys are just higher. >> Yeah, that is interesting. I guess I never thought about that. I like I don't know what the perception is over there, you know? I mean, obviously you can see numbers and the Pirates haven't been good, but what does that mean to them? Is it just because, oh, they're not good, but you know, like, hey, they're they're they're feeding me all this information in this this proposal, right? This contract. This is what they want to do. This is how I'm part of the plan, whatever. And I I can see the vision. They want to be good. Hey, there is Paul Skins. I know who Paul Ski is. So, you know, like, oh, this makes sense. They've been bad, of course, and they want to be good and I can be part of that. It's not like, oh, I don't trust that, you know? So, like maybe maybe there's part of that. I don't know. Um, but I want to go back to like on the money part and I don't know how much more the pirates have to overpay per se and whatnot, right? It's a good example. We're talking about Shber's probably not taking 155, but like what I also want to like put out there and like people kind of maybe understand too, it's not just always like chasing the money per se, per se, right? Now, of course, guys certainly will, but like think about the polar bear, I think, is a good example. There's something about also getting the most money of like showing your value, you know, like how much a team wants you. Like, think about that. Like again, like Kyle Schwarber, you can say chase the money and he played the Pirates, but did the Pirates show him that they were like that was you're our guy. We want you. We're not going to let you get away. Here's 4125. You know what I mean? Like again, think about that whole whole process. You know, the Phillies clearly showed they wanted me. They value me. They want me. They said, "Here's your 5150. Let's get it done, Kyle. We want you back, buddy. We love you." You know, there's more. I mean, there's more to the money than just the money. That also shows how much you're valued, how much you're wanted in that process. You know, again, like if a company's coming out to you and saying like, "We listen, we want to take you away from this company. we want you. We'll double your salary. Like that, you know what I mean? Like that tells me like, man, these guys really want me. They really love me. That there's something there that they they see in me. They they want me part of this, you know? It's not just like, oh, I get to double my salary. Like that. Yeah, it's a nice perk for me, but also that that shows me kind of love in some sense, you know? And where's the love when you're like, I mean, listen, Cal, we're not close. We're nowhere close. It's just a hope and a prayer. We would like to have you. That'd be awesome, you know. But a team's coming out saying like, "Listen, we love you. We're not going to let any you let us know what they're going to give you. We'll make sure it's more because we want you." That's love in a financial way. And again, the pirates aren't showing that like, you know, I mean, they're just trying to ensure that they can get by like, you know, hey, we really want to do something cool and you be part of it. And like that is that is something that people make me part of. But at the same time like maybe show me the money. So, um, getting back to like what you're saying here with the Japanese players. I mean, there you might be able to get away like think about this like with Schwber like you're mentioning about overpaying like the five for 150. You might have to go five for 170, five for 160 or have a sixth year, right? That's a lot more dollars. With these guys, the dollars are smaller. Maybe the percentage is of course the same, but you might not have to overpay as much like per se, you know? So, like if you're willing to risk $30 million a year on Schwarber, are you maybe now willing to give an extra $20 million for that extra year? The risk is still certainly there, you know, but maybe it's just a less dollar. Like you can maybe this is tough to tough to even say, but maybe you can swallow $20 million better than 30 million, you know what I mean? To ensure you're getting this guy. So, I don't know. I don't know. >> Yeah. Just a thought that I had. Um, luckily we do have a commenter who is uh in Panama. So, you know, not Japan, but Panama. And you know, he does say it's bad. Perception's bad. Lives in Panama. Everyone makes fun of me for keep rooting for the Pirates even with the history of this country connected to the team with Moreno, Sanette, etc. So, there goes my maybe there goes my uh my hypothesis. We're so sorry for you. >> Sorry for for being made fun of in Panama. >> Maybe it's just uh >> maybe that hasn't reached over to Asia yet. >> Maybe just say that like if you're wearing the Pirates hat, just say I'm I'm wearing the P. You know, I will say that the Pirates I think Manny Sangian is probably the best baseball player from Panama ever, or at least he's like up there. Uh the pirates have had a pretty good connection to that that country. So you would think that their perception wouldn't be as bad, but yeah, apparently it is. >> Well, there you go. >> Overpay it is. >> Hypothesis uh warded. Um let's shift to I mean, do you want to shift to the trade market a little bit? Yeah, >> that that's where it seems like this team's best chances are of adding a bat because the player doesn't have any say in that. Uh unless you're Catel Marte and you're on a no a limited no trade clause, but for the most part, you know, if a team agrees to trade you, you've got to go there. Um so, I mean, Brandon Laauo is kind of the hot name right now. Brandon Laauo would tons of power. Again, like things that you lack, Brandon Laauo has the the position flexibility of Laauo is a little concerning because it's like, you know, he's he's first and foremost a second baseman. Could he play outfield? He hasn't done it in three years, but could he do that? Um, do you is he primarily a DH at this point in his career? I think he's he's a second baseman first and foremost, but then what you're doing is you're you're upgrading really a position that could use upgraded, but there's still it still doesn't address left field. It still doesn't address third base. Uh, you know, DH is still a kind of a black hole right now, unless you want to just bring Cut back again. I don't know what they're going to do. But Brandon Laauo strikes me as someone who you could get for a package where you'd look at it and you'd say, "Man, like it sucks that I had to give up that guy." But Lao gives you a whole lot that you like. Um, I don't think you need to give up like any of your top top talent for Brandon Lao, >> but you'd probably need to give up, you know, two top 20 prospects in your organization, >> right? >> And like that's you you can do that. You can afford to do that. And Tampa Bay, you know, probably has guys who they specifically want from the Pirates and they're going to try to get them. So So we'll see how that goes. I agree with um Jay Gen here, like Antoine Kelly, Wilbur Doel as like a headliner in that trade. I think that's probably like fair. Um maybe you could get away with sending, you know, one or two of your like really lowlevel guys who are super far away um that that Tampa Bay likes. We'll see. But I I do feel like that's that's a guy who you just you gotta land. Like if he's out there available, you gotta land this guy somehow. And the Pirates have been linked. And like what's kind of ironic is doesn't sound like too too many teams are. So I don't know if that's good for the Pirates. Maybe this is the guy. But I'll say this, like if if you were to choose trading for Brandon Laauo or signing Palanco for two for 40, which would you take? >> I would take Brandon Laauo over Palanco. >> So I want to throw that because >> as a player, now the the thing is with trading someone, you got to give something up. When you're signing somebody, all you got to give up is money. So if I if it's between trading for >> Yeah. So if it's between trading for Lao and signing Palano for over 20 million a year. Yeah. Probably trading for Lao. If you could have gotten Palano for like, you know, 134 million, maybe you go that route. Um I I think Lao has a little bit more to offer you than Palano does. So I I just I think he's the better I think he's the better player. But Lao also comes with injury concerns whereas Plano typically at least stays on the field for you >> lately. But yeah, but yeah, and and I agree. So that's that's why I want to actually say that in this part here too is yeah, they missed out on Palanco, but also like you could look at that and say, well, you know what, because I agree if Palano is going to be two for 40, I'm just going to trade for Brando. Now the thing is you have to get that done, too, right? You have to get that part done. But I'm in the mindset of that also. I wanted Palano. I liked Palano. I thought he was a good fit here for for different needs. I mean, I would have taken both. You know, we've talked about that to some level as well. But with him going for 240, I think the move could have been and logically been all right, let's pivot to now trading for Brandon Laauo because he's going to cost less. You're fine with prospects. And that's the thing about like guys like this. That's what I talk about with, you know, guys with one-year deals. Like, I think the Pirates should make at least one trade for a guy like like a Brandon Laauo because again, we're talking about the prospect package. Like, it's not going to cost a whole lot of capital to to get him. And if you are as good as you think you are and as good as you're showing you are also as far as like developing pitching prospects, Anton Kelly, Wilbert Otell, like great dudes, good good players, good prospects, but you should be able to create more of those. You know that if that's what you're good at, then the next Antoine Kelly should be here next year, you know, the year after. So that's why you make trades like this. That's why you, you know, you have a farm system so you can trade from it and such, right? So like, yeah, like it's not going to be good. It's not going to feel good losing an Antoine Kelly, but at the end of the day, you should be able to have another Antoine Kelly coming through your system. Who are you developing, right? Who's next? And then after next year, like, all right, well, it was fine. Like, they got something they needed. You certainly did as well at the major league level to help you win today. So, I'm perfectly fine with with getting Brandon Low. Now, he is like he is bad at second base. Like, I'll give you that. But again, as we talk about Nick Gonzalez, I know some people challenge us here and question like, "Are you watching the same Nick Gonzalez?" He didn't have a good year either. Now, it was better than Brandon Laauo. But it's not as if the second base defense last year was anything good for the Pittsburgh Pirates. So, I will still take a loss in defense for the upgrade you're getting, the definitive upgrade you're getting on offense. Absolutely. Absolutely. Um I think there's I think Gonzalo's defense last year was kind of fluky. Uh I I don't think he's that bad either. Like the range >> seems to make you think Yeah, the range seems to make you think he's better than that because the errors that he made last year were weren't >> weren't from like lack of skill or ability. It was just he just he just missed a lot of balls, which is something that can be corrected relatively easily. Um and and something that he hasn't really done throughout his career. So like I have >> I don't know. I heard someone had to get moved off a position for those type of things. >> I have confidence that Nick Gonzalez can play second base at the major league level fairly well. Um, but he's just got to field routine grounders a little bit better. That's that that was his problem last year and I I think that's a problem that can be fixed. But no, I'm with you 100%. Lao adds a ton to this offense. Uh, adds power. I said is it's a non-expiring deal. So, it's a one year, you know, it's just one year you're committing to him. You shouldn't have to give up a whole lot for him. like 11.5 million dollars isn't a lot of money, but it is something that, you know, eats away at his surplus value where teams are, you know, you're you're you're getting value there, but it's not as much as say like a Catel Marte where, you know, you're you're getting him and he's got a ton of value because of his contract. So, I'm with you there. Um, another name that popped up too yesterday, uh, Luis Robert, who has been a polarizing character for sure over the last couple seasons. I'm curious here because I've always been I've always been a huge Luis Robert fan personally. Um, Luis Robert once like almost singlehandedly won me a fantasy baseball championship back in 2023. Like the dude was insane. Um, but since then, since 2023, like back-to back pretty bad seasons. The speed's still there. Like you can still see everything, but you know, he's striking out. He's like the the batting average has dipped into the 220s the last two seasons. The power hasn't quite been there. Like with as many tools as this guy possesses, he's still he's only hit more than 15 homers in his career once. >> Mhm. >> Now, a lot of that just has to do with the dude can't stay on the field, >> right? like also six seasons in Major League Baseball and he's played over 110 games one time, >> right? >> I think what interests me with Robert is the contract being at $20 million a year. I'm kind of surprised the White Socks, this is what I'm surprised at. I feel like if you pick up that option, it's because you intend to keep him and you're hoping that he performs this season and then you can maybe flip him for something at the deadline or maybe this next off seasonason when he's got one more club option, he's he's like kind of rebuilt his value back because this is my this is my hesitation to to think that Luis Robert is going anywhere right now. The dude has zero value. Like no trade value right now, >> right? >> If you're the White Socks and you're wanting to trade Luis Robert Jr., like, good luck getting anything for him with that contract unless you're paying the majority of it. Then you could maybe get something, but you're still not getting anything great. Like I said, the last two seasons hasn't been outstanding for him. So I I that report came out yesterday and like he's always kind of been dangled around. Like the White Socks have been a really bad team for a few years now. So it's like, you know, it's kind of like how we're used to at the Pirates. Like when you're bad, your good players are going to be involved in trade talks. That's just how it works. And so Robert's been involved in these for a while now. And they've kept them. They've kept them. They've kept them. And they've kept them to the point now where like he has no value. So, I would be surprised to see the White Socks trade Robert because if you're the Pirates and you want Luis Robert, you can basically just take him at this point. Like, you give anything of value whatsoever to the White Socks and if they're actually intent on trading him, like they take it. >> Yeah. >> The dude's worth nothing right now. >> I mean, we've entertained this. We talked about last year about go after him, go get him. I I I still truly feel this is a thing. Now, I'm not saying like this is the only thing that's wrong with Robert, right? But I truly feel too like getting a guy out of Chicago might be able to help. The caveat that is well, you're getting out of Chicago to put him in Pittsburgh. So, [snorts] that might not be the key destination to make you turn your career back around, right? But Chicago is kind of a hell hole for a lot of guys. And you know, maybe there's part of that. Maybe it's getting that like he he is a to me a target of like a guy who a change of scenery could really help out. Again, don't know if Pittsburgh's that change that's going to help out, but I do feel getting him out there could help him turn things around. There's still like a lot of things to like like you mentioned the speed like the actual speed like his foot sprint speed, right? his bat speed as well. Like the athleticism still appears to be there. Defensively he was back last year as well. You know, really good solid defensive year. Um the speed was there like like all the athleticism seemed to be there. His second healthiest year as you mentioned of his career. He played 110 games. Uh and he had a better second half. >> Shorter second half too. It's still it's still a risk. It's still it's still a risk, you know. And again, like if if you're looking to get risky here, I guess he's he's somebody because the thing about him is he could be what he has been the past few years, which is not a good baseball player. Now, he provides value defensively, at least when he's on the field, but offensively it's it's it's been Nick Gonzalez. actually like it's been Nick Gonzalez the past few years that's not going to get it done. The thing is if it does click he's your best hitter by a lot. >> Yeah. Now what's the trade going to look like? You know what I Like I know it's not going to like you mentioned like cost a lot. It's still $20 million. If you're going to spend that much money, wouldn't you just go get Jorge Palano? You know what I mean? So, how much are they eating it down to get to where you're comfortable? Because you still need more pieces. And I'm like, I'm not gonna if there's $30 million right now, right? and seven million has gone to Gregory Sodto. Am I investing everything on Luis Robert at this point in time? More or less, like the the most part of my pie. I don't know if I really am. So, it would come down to like how much are they really paying this thing down to? And Mi might be willing to give a better prospect to do that. Makes more sense. But it's it's a lot of risk I think right now for what they're what they have on the table. Again, I guess that's where I'm at. Like if if you're willing to trade for Luis Robert, go get Palano. >> Go get Palano or go get Morakami or go get Okamoto. Like I Yeah, I I could see that. Um, I guess with with Robert what's interesting is like he could I mean you could play him in left I guess if you wanted to or you could put him in center and then move Cruz to left. I don't know if you want to sorry move Cruz again but >> I know >> like that I Yeah, Robert. Robert Yeah. I've I've just I've always loved Luis Robert and >> I get it. I do too. >> It would be fun to have him because the the upside potential is real. Um, it's just the the injury aspect. And I think when you're looking at players that that can make this team better, you're gonna have to look at some guys where like there's there's always going to be like one reason that makes you hesitant on them. And you're just going to have to kind of hope that that it all comes together. Like everyone out there is [snorts] flawed. That that that's available to the pirates. They're flawed in some extent, >> right? >> The only ones that aren't are like Kyle Tucker really isn't flawed by any means. Cody Bellinger is not flawed at this point in his career. Like there's there's some guys that you can like really bank on, but the Pirates are pretty much in on everybody who's got some sort of flaw and you're like, "Yeah, this is the one thing that could keep them from being good." Um, you know, you look at like Suarez, same thing there. like he's getting older. His defense has been really really bad the last couple of years, but he hits a bunch of homers. So, yeah. Uh I said, Robert Robert strikes me as interesting. I just I I find it hard to believe the White Socks are actually serious about trading this guy because I don't I don't think they would have picked up his option otherwise. I think they're going to pick up I think they picked up his option. They're gonna hope that he [snorts] bounces back and then they can trade him once his values, you know, a little bit higher, maybe at the deadline or mid-season. But I would be I would be shocked to see a Luis Robert trade this off season. >> I agree with you. I do. But I mean, maybe they're taking the risk. >> They drop them. They just not pick it up. I mean, maybe they feel there's something there also, which helps, but then again, it's the Chicago White Socks, so who knows what the hell they're doing. >> Well, they want to get something out of him, right? And and I think the way you get something out of >> you would hope, but then again, are you paying $20? Are you paying $20 million to hope and a prayer that you get a anything for this guy or you like were you just willing to let's just cut bait and just take that $20 million and get an actual guy? >> Well, I don't think the White Socks are too concerned with getting anybody right now. Well, concerned a lot paying $20 million then too. >> Yeah. >> So again, I'm saying that that that's maybe hopeful like they they think there >> Well, the White Socks have to pay somebody or they're going to have like a $30 million payroll. So they the the White Sox payroll is bare bones right now, >> right? >> Even with Robert. >> Anywh who, yeah, I mean again, I would welcome Luis Robert. I think money would have to be considered. Cash considerations would have to be involved. Welcome Mr. considerations. But again, at that price point, I'm just more of let's go somewhere. Like this is almost like in case of emergency, break Luis Robert. >> Is that fair? >> Yeah. You want him to not be broken though. >> True. [laughter] Very true. He already is broken. Um, all right. >> Fix Luis Robert. >> So, what's next? >> That's about it. >> It's it's I said one more week remaining on on Morami. I think that's the probably the main storyline this coming week is where is he going to go. >> I am curious to see what that deal looks like, where he ends up. Um, and again, if you're the Pirates, that's that's just another chance that you have to make a splash and show people that you're serious. So far, they've it's been all talk. It's been all talk so far. And yeah, the Schwarber offer was something, but the Schwarber offer, I'm not going to say like Jim Bowen was saying it was like laughable. Like it was a real offer. The Schwarber camp didn't think it was laughable. Um, but it still clearly wasn't enough and everyone knew it wasn't enough when they made it. So that at some point they've got to do something that's enough for someone to say yes, I'm coming to Pittsburgh because right now that's they haven't done it yet. They haven't they haven't done it yet. So like you want to be taken seriously this off seasonason like you gotta you got to do something you got to do something that makes you worth being taken seriously. And so far we haven't seen it. It's been again, it's just been the same stuff. The the talk is different this off seasonason. The sentiment is different this off season. I think the Pirates are I think the Pirates want to try this off season, but like you said before, like they just I don't know if they know how to try >> properly, >> you know? It's they they've they've not tried for so long that this is all new to them. And so far, they haven't been able to get anything done. They made one trade for a guy who probably isn't even on the major league roster come opening day. And if he does play at this point at some point this year, he he's likely just like a a piece, you know, he's a maybe a contributing piece to that. But like they need they need dudes right now and they haven't gotten any. >> I agree. my um I'm giving Ben Chanton an assignment. Now, I do know the Ross Park Mall has a Louis Vuitton. Uh, I don't know if I'm seeing Tiffany's, but yep, Tiffany's there as well. My My task for you, Ben, is the holiday season. Go to the Ross Park Mall. Go inside Louis Vuitton. Go inside Tiffany's. Shop around. Understand and learn, watch, take notes. How do people act? How does a purchase happen? and then buy something there. All right? Get your get your wife a bag or or some jewelry and then leave and understand that feeling and knowing how to be of those who have money and then go out there and get your guy. All right? So go buy your wife something nice, Ben, and then buy us something nice. That's all, >> dude. Ben's going to TJ Maxx. >> No, Ben, stay away from TJ Maxx. Now listen, everyday low, low prices. I get it. I understand. As a TJ Maxxer myself, I get it and I understand. But you can't risk have getting the the the shirt that says Nike and it's missing the eye, right? Go to Tiffany's. Go to TJ Maxx. I'm sorry. Go to Tiffany's. Go to Louis Vuitton. Stay away from TJ Maxx. Go there. Buy something nice. And then buy us something nice. All right, Ben. All right, let's get out of here. >> Let's do it. >> All right, like and subscribe, please, after that. Please, we beg of you. Uh, but no, we'll be back this week. It's kind of like our same routine. And it's not live. It'll be on Wednesday. The point returns on Friday. Uh, and of course, if we have an emergency podcast to break, we'll do that. Hopefully, there is one. But uh yeah, like, subscribe, join our Patreon, become a member if you want for 99 cents on YouTube. All good stuff going on. But uh we'll see you guys later. Bye-bye. See you guys. >> All right, that wraps up this episode of Northshore 9. Thanks so much for tuning in, whether you're listening on the podcast or catching us on YouTube. If you enjoyed the show, please give this video a thumbs up and don't forget to hit that subscribe button if you haven't already. It really helps us grow. And if you're listening on the podcast, a quick review goes a long way in helping others find the show. Plus, be sure to tell a friend about us. There's always room for more here in the NS9 community. And for those looking to support us a little more, consider joining our Patreon. Become an MVP member and get exclusive perks while helping us continue to bring you more of the Pirates content you love. Thanks again for all your support, and let's go Bucks. [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. N. [music]

🚨 BUCCO BREW LIVE – MONDAY • 7 AM ET 🚨

We’re breaking down the Pittsburgh Pirates’ Winter Meetings results… or lack thereof.

After all the hype in Orlando, did the Bucs actually do anything meaningful? 🥴

👉 We’ll talk about:
• The Pirates’ Winter Meetings — lots of talk, very little impact.
• Pittsburgh reportedly offered Kyle Schwarber a huge contract only to miss out while the slugger re-signed elsewhere.
• What did the Pirates actually get? A bullpen piece and… not much else.
• Are Ben Cherington & Co. actually serious about winning — or just playing offseason theatre?
• What this all means for Paul Skenes and the rest of the roster going into 2026.

👇 Your questions/comments welcome — drop ’em live!
#Pirates #MLB #BuccoBrew #WinterMeetings

*Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee*

*Use Promo Code NS9 for 30% off your first order at https://www.gritily.com*

**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:
Tweets by NorthShoreNine
►TikTok:

@northshorenine

►Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/northshorenine
►Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/northshorenine
►Discord:
https://discord.gg/3HVYPg544m