# CONTENDERS: Pirates Jump Into Wildcard as Esmerlyn Valdez HOMERS and Jared Jones Leads Charge

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-pirates-daily-podcast-on-the-pittsburgh-pirates-63933/contenders-pirates-jump-into-wildcard-as-esmerlyn-valdez-homers-and-jared-jones-leads-charge
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-pirates-daily-podcast-on-the-pittsburgh-pirates-63933/contenders-pirates-jump-into-wildcard-as-esmerlyn-valdez-homers-and-jared-jones-leads-charge.md
Podcast: [Locked On Pirates - Daily Podcast On The Pittsburgh Pirates](https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-pirates-daily-podcast-on-the-pittsburgh-pirates-63933)
Published: 2026-07-20T14:21:23+00:00
Episode link: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-pirates/
Audio file: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/pdrl.fm/c332f6/lockedon.simplecastaudio.com/ca178804-c720-476f-9857-ad70690e8c6a/episodes/91080ee0-440a-4bda-9a2d-b883fd6adb54/audio/128/default.mp3?aid=rss_feed&awCollectionId=ca178804-c720-476f-9857-ad70690e8c6a&awEpisodeId=91080ee0-440a-4bda-9a2d-b883fd6adb54&feed=z3NI6hOx
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Duration seconds: 2173

## Resource

Pittsburgh Pirates surge into the NL Wild Card race after a statement series win over the Cleveland Guardians—can Paul Skenes and Esmerlyn Valdez fuel a true playoff push? Gary Morgan breaks down how elite starting pitching, big bats from Valdez and Nick Gonzales, and a resilient mindset put the Bucs directly into postseason position. Key questions swirl around a struggling bullpen—will Gregory Soto and Dennis Santana be enough, or is it time to overhaul the relief strategy? With the MLB trade deadline looming, Gary Morgan covers which prospects are truly untouchable, clarifies the reality of the Pirates' payroll stance, and explores realistic trade targets who could solidify the club’s playoff credentials. Don’t miss this bold, honest analysis of the Pirates’ playoff charge and what must happen to keep October baseball in sight.

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## Transcript

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