Podcast appearances and mentions of jason mackey

Pirates insider Jason Mackey comes on The Fan Hotline to discuss the latest involving the team with fill-in host "Donny Football" Chedrick.

In this hour, fill-in host "Donny Football" Chedrick previews the upcoming series between the Pirates and the Seattle Mariners. Also, Pirates insider Jason Mackey comes on The Fan Hotline. And was this jinx from a couple of years ago actually good for the Steelers? June 23, 2026, 9:00 Hour

Jason Mackey joins the show to talk about why the Pirates traded Joey Bart for Hunter Stratton, what Pittsburgh will do at the DH spot moving forward, what would have happened with Henry Davis if they hadn't found a trade partner for Bart, what the catching split will be with Davis and Endy Rodriguez, if Jason respects Jeff Passan, who the Pirates could target for trades, where things stand with Carmen Mlodzinski, and more!

Hour 4: Poni has a couple questions ahead of this weekend's Pirates-Rockies series. Are we about to see a soccer revolution in the United States? Jason Mackey joins the show to go through the latest Pirates news and rumors. And Dom names who he wants SportsNet Pittsburgh to hire as their next Penguins rinkside reporter.

A Wexford volunteer firefighter joins the broadcast to tell his incredible story. Callas and Crowley yell at Mackey for typing during the interview. Mackey teases a guest and Callas and Crowley keep guessing incorrectly. Another firefighter stops by to make a donation, and he was also the AD at Clairton when Tyler Boyd played for the Bears. Five players have been linked to the Pirates as trade candidates. Do the Pirates really need help at C and 1B? How can Ozuna find a rhythm if he isn't playing with any regularity? 

Pirates insider Jason Mackey comes on The Fan Hotline to provide some updates on the injury to SS Konnor Griffin, as well as address many of the issues this team is currently experiencing right now with Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson.

In this hour, Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson discuss which NFL WRs are currently available that might interest the Steelers. Also, Pirates' broadcaster and Pirates insider Jason Mackey each come on The Fan Hotline. June 16, 2026, 9:00 Hour

A remarkable comeback last night at PNC Park as the Pirates beat the Dodgers, 9-8. Tyler Callihan was the unlikely hero, homering twice for his first two home runs in Major League Baseball. What did this mean for this team? It could be a game that turns the tide of their season. Poni shouted out the crowd last night that didn't leave with the Pirates down 6-1 in the 7th. Game Balls for PIT-LAD: Tyler Callihan, Spencer Horwitz, Bryan Reynolds. Pirates insider Jason Mackey joined the show. Jason reacted to a magical night at PNC Park. Do we see more playing time for Tyler Callihan after his huge night? Jason thinks we could be close to the end of the line for Marcell Ozuna, especially once the team gets healthy again. How can the Pirates become a better team with challenging balls and strikes? Jason discussed the Oneil Cruz injury and what his recovery looks like. Jason paused, but believes we will see Konnor Griffin before July 1st since he can still perform in some aspects of the game. Who are some bullpen options in Triple A right now? Poni told Jason he is tired of the piggyback schedule within the rotation. Are the Pirates going to take a look at Aroldis Chapman going into the trade deadline?

Hour 4 with Joe Starkey: This date in sport history. Drafting the best Steelers backup quarterbacks of the 21st century:Pirates insider Jason Mackey joined the show. When is Ben Cherington going to acquire a bullpen arm? No one has asked Paul Skenes why he doesn't throw 100 mph anymore and Jason doesn't care. Oneil Cruz has a hand injury and occured on Saturday. Konnor Griffin has an elbow forearm injury. 

Pirates insider Jason Mackey joined the show. When is Ben Cherington going to acquire a bullpen arm? No one has asked Paul Skenes why he doesn't throw 100 mph anymore and Jason doesn't care. Oneil Cruz has a hand injury and occured on Saturday. Konnor Griffin has an elbow forearm injury.

In this hour, Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson discuss which AFC North teams have the most certainty and which ones have the most questions going into the upcoming NFL season. Also, Pirates insider Jason Mackey comes on The Fan Hotline. June 9, 2026, 9:00 Hour

Pirates insider Jason Mackey comes on The Fan Hotline to address the recent struggles from SP Paul Skenes, and he previews the upcoming home series the team has against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

There are no current talks with Oneil Cruz on a long-term extension. His value is skyrocketing. Cruz's power potential is large and his plate disciplate so much better. Baseball told everyone they're trying to command small market teams to spend $171 million. It would be a game changer if the salary cap and floor goes through. A lot of players are not aware of what's going on with the labor deal. People are on the owners' side.

Hour 3 with Joe Starkey: Pirates insider Jason Mackey joined the show. There are no current talks with Oneil Cruz on a long-term extension. His value is skyrocketing. Cruz's power potential is large and his plate discipline so much better. Baseball told everyone they're trying to command small market teams to spend $171 million. People are on the owners' side. Are we in for a summer of great baseball? Doug Whaley thinks the Steelers could only get a third round pick for T.J. Watt or Alex Highsmith.

Another blown game for the Buccos last night and this one could take the cake for the 2026 season. The Pirates led 8-3 in the 7th inning in Houston, and wound up losing 11-9. Paul Skenes couldn't get out of the 5th inning then multiple bullpen arms got rocked, including ones that were previously pretty reliable. Are the lights too bright for Don Kelly? How much is on Ben Cherington? How does the blame get divvied up with the Pirates bullpen blunders? Pirates insider Jason Mackey joined the show. Jason told us Carmen Mlodzinski will pitch tonight and will ‘piggy-back' off Jared Jones, who starts tonight. What will his role look like out of the ‘pen? The guys wondered if the role of Wilber Dotel will grow since he's one of the few arms that has been consistently reliable. Jason mentioned Joey Bart as a trade piece the Pirates could have once he gets healthy. Jason has doubts if improving the bullpen from the outside is doable. Who are some other arms in the organization that could help the big league club? Are we at the end of the line with Dennis Santana?

Pirates insider Jason Mackey joined the show. Jason told us Carmen Mlodzinski will pitch tonight and will ‘piggy-back' off Jared Jones, who starts tonight. What will his role look like out of the ‘pen? The guys wondered if the role of Wilber Dotel will grow since he's one of the few arms that has been consistently reliable. Jason mentioned Joey Bart as a trade piece the Pirates could have once he gets healthy. Jason has doubts if improving the bullpen from the outside is doable. Who are some other arms in the organization that could help the big league club? Are we at the end of the line with Dennis Santana?

Pirates insider Jason Mackey comes on The Fan Hotline to address the latest involving the Pirates with Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson.

In this hour, Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson discuss whether or not the Cleveland Browns will decide to trade DE Myles Garrett before the season begins. Also, Pirates insider Jason Mackey and Pirates' broadcaster John Wehner each come on The Fan Hotline. June 1, 2026, 8:00 Hour

Hour 1: Is it time for the Pirates to demote Bubba Chandler? A Pittsburgh media member has gotten into a feud with Fan producers. And Jason Mackey joins the show to discuss the Pirates' pitching plans.

Austin and Sean share their first autographs. The Pirates' offense has been good, and Spencer Horwitz has been extremely underrated. Jason Mackey joins, and is baffled by Austin's question about Bubba Chandler. why did Ashcraft pitch into the seventh in a blowout win, and how good Horwitz has been lately.

Geno is back! The Pens release indicates Letang will be back as well. Austin doesn't believe this was the decision of Kyle Dubas, but rather, the Hoffman family. A caller chimes in to support the move but notes the team isn't that close to contending. If the Pens bottom out, would Malkin benefit from being moved? Another caller wants Auston Matthews. A quick 6 pack. Pirates hammered the Cubs. Braxton Ashcraft could be an All-Star. Did he pitch too deep last night? How closely should they follow an innings limit? The General chimes in to offer his cards of the week - Malkin and Ashcraft. Mark Kaboly joins to discuss the different schedule with Mike McCarthy, which rookie has impressed the most, Drew Allar's reps, the offensive line alignment, Kaboly details Derrick Harmon driving a very small car, his thoughts on Malkin's return and a hockey tidbit, Dean Lowry's return, will Porter Jr or Herbig sign extensions. Matt Clement joins to discuss his big day with Butler baseball, Braxton Ashcraft's performance, Dennis Santana's outing, Bryan Reynolds' under-the-radar success, Henry Davis and if he'll continue to get chances. Matt Clement sticks around to talk about Ozuna, if the recent call-ups should be getting those ABs instead, if Chandler is making his final start in the rotation. could Carmen Mlodzinski thrive in the bullpen, how the Pirates will manage Jared Jones. Bailey Falter got DFA'd today, so we revisit that trade with the Royals, as well as check in on Ke'Bryan Hayes. A caller gives his ideal lineup construction. How concerning are Cruz's strikeouts? Austin and Sean share their first autographs. The Pirates' offense has been good, and Spencer Horwitz has been extremely underrated. Jason Mackey joins, and is baffled by Austin's question about Bubba Chandler. why did Ashcraft pitch into the seventh in a blowout win, and how good Horwitz has been lately.

Jason Mackey joins, and is baffled by Austin's question about Bubba Chandler. why did Ashcraft pitch into the seventh in a blowout win, and how good Horwitz has been lately.

In this hour, Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson continue discussing what the Pirates could do to continue improving upon the bullpen, specifically when Jared Jones gets activated from the IL and moves back into the starting rotation. Also, Pirates' broadcaster Neil Walker and Pirates insider Jason Mackey each come on The Fan Hotline. May 26, 2026, 9:00 Hour

Pirates insider Jason Mackey comes on The Fan Hotline to address the latest discussions involving the team with Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson.

Logan Arblaster fills in for Austin Bechtold behind the glass for a Memorial Day edition of Pomp and Joe! Scintillating radio with Pomp as he covers several topics including the Pirates bullpen struggles so far. Jason Mackey and Matt Clement join as guests.

Pirates' insider, Jason Mackey, joins to give his insightful answers on pressing questions going with the Pirates right now

Jason Mackey joins the show to talk about Don Kelly's bullpen management, what reliever he trusts the most right now, if the Pirates made the right call optioning Isaac Mattson, if he's panicking about Pittsburgh right now, and more!

Pirates insider Jason Mackey comes on The Fan Hotline to address the last involving the team with Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson.

In this hour, Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson react to some comments made at OTA press conferences Tuesday morning from both the offensive and defensive coordinators of the Steelers. Also, Pirates' broadcaster Neil Walker and Pirates insider Jason Mackey each come on The Fan Hotline. May 19, 2026, 9:00 Hour

Pirates insider Jason Mackey joined the show. Jason reacted to a Pirates series win over the Rockies. The Pirates started Endy Rodriguez, who immediately provided as much offense as Henry Davis has all season. Jason thinks if Endy hits, he will play, even though Davis provides the good defense. Jason thinks Carmen Mlodzinski heads to the bullpen when Jared Jones returns, even though he's arguably been better than Bubba Chandler this season. Jason described Jones as ‘intense' after a report about how he was handling questions after his rehab start in Altoona. Did the one blown save from Dennis Santana crush his legacy with Don Kelly? The guys asked Jason about Konnor Griffin moving about the lineup. Is Pittsburgh a ‘mediocre' baseball town? Jason said the team has to earn the trust of the fans since we have only witnessed 3 playoff teams in 30+ years.

Cherington's Chatter – What did Ben Cherington say to the media? Pirates insider Jason Mackey joined the show. Jason reacted to a Pirates series win over the Rockies. The Pirates started Endy Rodriguez, who immediately provided as much offense as Henry Davis has all season. Jason thinks if Endy hits, he will play, even though Davis provides the good defense. Jason thinks Carmen Mlodzinski heads to the bullpen when Jared Jones returns, even though he's arguably been better than Bubba Chandler this season. Jason described Jones as ‘intense' after a report about how he was handling questions after his rehab start in Altoona. Did the one blown save from Dennis Santana crush his legacy with Don Kelly? The guys asked Jason about Konnor Griffin moving about the lineup. Is Pittsburgh a ‘mediocre' baseball town? Jason said the team has to earn the trust of the fans since we have only witnessed 3 playoff teams in 30+ years. Name Game.

Pirates Insider Jason Mackey joins! The guys thoroughly discuss Paul Skenes' future with Pittsburgh and how the bullpen could shake out once Jared Jones returns.

-More with Matt Clement - Do the Bucs have a better chance to sign Oneil Cruz than Paul Skenes? -Pirates Insider Jason Mackey joins! The guys thoroughly discuss Paul Skenes' future with Pittsburgh and how the bullpen could shake out once Jared Jones returns.

Pirates insider Jason Mackey comes on The Fan Hotline to address the latest going on regarding the Pirates with Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson.

In this hour, Adam Crowley attempts to mooch free Pirates tickets off of some of the team's insiders that appeared on the air on Tuesday. Also, Pirates' broadcaster Neil Walker and Pirates insider Jason Mackey each come on The Fan Hotline. May 12, 2026, 9:00 Hour

Was Jason Mackey a fan of pulling Paul Skenes in the 9th inning to prevent a complete game? Jason says this is the best Paul Skenes has looked in his short time here in Pittsburgh. Jason says that the Pirates do not have a specific closer. Dennis Santana will get save opportunities but is not the 'capital C' closer. How much more runway will Marcell Ozuna get with the Pirates? Jason says Mlodzinski will leave the rotation when Jared Jones returns from the injured list.

5-7 PM Team 2pm Hour

Jason thinks Bubba Chandler has to walk fewer people. Jason thinks Chandler should be overthinking and some Pirates pitchers are pitching to much for strikeouts. The Pirates need to do a better job of communicating in the outfield and Jason doesn't understand why Reynolds and Cruz are having a lot of issues. Jason is also concerned with Dennis Santana. He doesn't think Santana has the same stuff as he's had the past two seasons.

Hour 4 with Bob Pompeani and Joe Starkey: Would you be willing to give up a season of baseball to get a salary cap? Jeff Passan doesn't think MLB will lose games next season. Passan thinks if baseball misses time in 2027 that fans won't come back to the teams quickly. Are you willing to sacrifice a full year of baseball for a salary cap and floor? Jason thinks Chandler should be overthinking and some Pirates pitchers are pitching to much for strikeouts. The Pirates need to do a better job of communicating in the outfield.

The Pirates have closed the book on April and even at a .500 record, they are in last place of the NL Central. How would we grade the first full month of the season? Pirates insider Jason Mackey joined the show. We know a bad Paul Skenes outing is an outlier, but what are some of the real problems the Pirates have? Jason isn't overly concerned about Dennis Santana, but thinks that could just be switching the closer role around every other day. Bubba Chandler has been disappointing thus far. How much longer can they wait on Marcell Ozuna to turn things around? Jason said they have fallen short of the goal so far, even as a .500 team through April. We knew the Pirates defense wouldn't be good, but is there any shot it improves? The guys have some concern with Bryan Reynolds, who is known for slow starts. Skenes Soundbites – What did Paul Skenes say after today's game?

Pirates insider Jason Mackey joined the show. We know a bad Paul Skenes outing is an outlier, but what are some of the real problems the Pirates have? Jason isn't overly concerned about Dennis Santana, but thinks that could just be switching the closer role around every other day. Bubba Chandler has been disappointing thus far. How much longer can they wait on Marcell Ozuna to turn things around? Jason said they have fallen short of the goal so far, even as a .500 team through April. We knew the Pirates defense wouldn't be good, but is there any shot it improves? The guys have some concern with Bryan Reynolds, who is known for slow starts.

The NCAA Tournament is expanding to 76 teams. Pirates insider Jason Mackey of the Pirates joined the show. Konnor Griffin is turning a corner. Jared Jones will pitch tonight. Jason thinks the Pirates look at Camen Mlodzinski and Jared Jones as a piggyback situation.

Hour 4 with Bob Pompeani and Joe Starkey: The Flyers postgame show complained about Sidney Crosby and how the Penguins were being physical. We hear what was said. Someone said they don't know what it will take to get Crosby out of the series. That's crazy. Are the Flyers going to try to take out Crosby?? The NCAA Tournament is expanding to 76 teams. Pirates insider Jason Mackey said that Jared Jones will pitch tonight in Bradenton. Jason thinks the Pirates look at Camen Mlodzinski and Jared Jones as a piggyback situation.

Jason Mackey of MLB.com joins the show! Oneil Cruz hit an absolute nuke of a home run last night. From what started as a horrific year for Cruz, he has now become one of the Pirates' most important players. Have there been any contract extension talks with Cruz? Will Oneil Cruz be a long term piece for the Pirates? The relationship between Cutch and the Pirates seems strained, to say the least.

4-23 PM Team 3pm Hour

Pirates insider Jason Mackey joined the show. What actually happened with Andrew McCutchen? The Pirates did communicate, but we don't know how much they talked to Cutch. Jason thinks the Pirates would have brought McCutchen back if he said this is his final season. Jason said it was awkward talking to McCutchen and it felt very strange.

Hour 4 with Bob Pompeani and Joe Starkey: Mark guarantees that Aaron Rodgers will be back and puts it at 99.9%. Mark thinks there is a framework for what the contract will look like. Mark doesn't think the Steelers will sign Nick Herbig. Mark has the Steelers trading up to 17 with the Lions to pick Denzel Boston. Jason Mackey thinks the Pirates would have brought McCutchen back if he said this is his final season.

In this hour, Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson wonder if the NFL Draft being in Pittsburgh will affect how they make decisions next week. Also, Chris Carter from The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and Pirates insider Jason Mackey each come on The Fan Hotline. April 17, 2026, 8:00 Hour

Jason Mackey thought Kelly was trying to hard with pinch hitting for Brandon Lowe and didn't like the decision. Lowe has been the best hitter. Jason said this is the best clubhouse vibe he's seen covering the Pirates. Konnor Griffin had two hits yesterday and the at-bats looked better.

Hour 4 with Bob Pompeani and Joe Starkey: Poni came at Bob but said that his words were taken out of context. Michael McKenry said Seth Hernandez's stuff would play right now in the big leagues. Jason Mackey thought Kelly was trying too hard with pinch-hitting for Brandon Lowe and didn't like the decision.