In a significant shake-up for the Pittsburgh Pirates, the organization has announced that Derek Shelton has been let go from his position as manager. This decision comes after a challenging start to the season, with the team currently sitting at 12-26 just 38 games into his sixth year at the helm. Bench coach Don Kelly will step up to fill the managerial role on an interim basis.
Pirates general manager Ben Cherington expressed deep appreciation for Shelton’s contributions during his tenure, 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.” Cherington acknowledged Shelton’s intellect and drive, affirming he was the right person for the job at the time of his hiring but felt a change was now necessary.
Under Shelton’s leadership, the Pirates have experienced considerable struggle. His overall record with the team stands at 306-440, a tough statistic that reflects the challenges faced during his first time managing in Major League Baseball. The Pirates’ frustrations have been particularly evident in recent seasons, including back-to-back 100-loss campaigns in 2021 and 2022.
Notably, the 2023 season did see the Pirates finish with a more respectable 76-86 record, raising expectations heading into 2024. However, after the trade deadline, the team faltered, ultimately finishing with the same record as the previous year. This lack of progress has led to increasing dissatisfaction within the organization.
Pirates owner Bob Nutting, who initially displayed optimism when Shelton was first introduced to the media, emphasized the need for urgent action. In his statement, Nutting pointed out the importance of executing fundamentals, saying, “We need to act with a sense of urgency and take the steps necessary to fix this now to get back on track as a team and organization.”
Replacing Shelton will be Don Kelly, who has been with the Pirates as a bench coach for six seasons and previously served as the first base coach for the Houston Astros. Cherington shared confidence in Kelly’s ability to lead, stating, “I believe strongly Donnie is the right person to manage the team right now. He has the skills and experience needed to do this job really well and deeply cares about the Pirates and Pittsburgh.”
Kelly now faces the task of revitalizing a struggling team. The Pirates have long been in search of a breakthrough, and it’s clear that both the management and fanbase are eager for a turnaround. The hope is that Kelly’s fresh perspective can help steer the Pirates toward a more competitive future, with a focus on sharper execution and fundamental improvements as they move forward in this season and beyond.
