Following a terrible 12-26 start to the 2025 MLB season, manager Derek Shelton was fired by the Pittsburgh Pirates, marking a major change in leadership. The first managerial change in Major League Baseball this season was the promotion of bench coach Don Kelly to manager. 

A Tenure Marked by Struggles

After joining the Pirates in 2020, Derek Shelton accumulated a combined record of 306-440 over more than five seasons. Under his direction, the team never finished with more than 76 victories in a season and missed the postseason.

The Pirates are currently 10 games behind the division-leading Chicago Cubs in the National League Central with a 12-26 record for the current season, which includes a seven-game losing streak and ten losses in the last eleven games.

General Manager Ben Cherington acknowledged Shelton’s dedication, stating, “Derek worked incredibly hard and sacrificed a lot over five-plus years. His family became a big part of the Pirates family, and we will miss that. He’s incredibly smart, curious, and a driven baseball leader. I believe he was the right person for the job when he was hired. I also believe that a change is now … .”  

Don Kelly Takes the Helm

Don Kelly, a Pittsburgh native and former Pirates player, has been picked the new manager. Kelly is well-liked in the organization and has been the team’s bench coach for six seasons. Pirates chairman Bob Nutting expressed confidence in Kelly’s leadership.  

Challenges Ahead

The Pirates were hoping to contend going into the 2025 season, the current National League Rookie of the Year, leading the pitching staff. The club has, however, struggled both offensively and defensively, finishing close to the bottom in both team ERA and runs scored.

The team’s problems have been made worse by off-field scandals, such as public relations problems and a tragic incident involving a fan injury.

Looking Forward

The Pirates hope to revitalize their season and restore a winning mentality under new manager Don Kelly. Kelly’s strong connections to the club and Pittsburgh make him a cohesive leader who can lead the group through this time of turmoil.

All eyes will be on the Pirates’ reaction to this leadership transition and their ability to overcome the obstacles that have beset them in recent years as the season goes on.