# SPECIAL TALENT: Pittsburgh Pirates Face Oneil Cruz Extension Gamble, Will They PAY Up?

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-pirates-daily-podcast-on-the-pittsburgh-pirates-63933/special-talent-pittsburgh-pirates-face-oneil-cruz-extension-gamble-will-they-pay-up
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-pirates-daily-podcast-on-the-pittsburgh-pirates-63933/special-talent-pittsburgh-pirates-face-oneil-cruz-extension-gamble-will-they-pay-up.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: 2026-09-03T16:54:40+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/4372763e-8203-44c0-911a-c2d4e38eb2fb/audio/128/default.mp3?aid=rss_feed&awCollectionId=ca178804-c720-476f-9857-ad70690e8c6a&awEpisodeId=4372763e-8203-44c0-911a-c2d4e38eb2fb&feed=z3NI6hOx
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Duration seconds: 2206

## Resource

Pittsburgh Pirates face a franchise-defining crossroads: can they keep electrifying superstar Oneil Cruz as arbitration prices soar? Gary Morgan breaks down Cruz’s unique power, defensive evolution in center field, and why his next contract could shape the Pirates’ future. With Cruz’s elite Statcast numbers and game-changing talent, is a long-term extension the only way forward—or are the risks too much for Pittsburgh to handle as free agency looms? Bubba Chandler’s rookie campaign offers fresh hope for the Pirates’ pitching, as Gary Morgan spotlights his development from erratic flamethrower to reliable rotation arm. Key insights include Chandler’s improved efficiency, workload management, and emotional growth, plus candid listener Q&A covering Bryan Reynolds’ potential decline and intriguing bullpen strategy questions. Are the Pirates finally building a sustainable contender around their homegrown core?

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## Transcript

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