In a bold move to shake up a faltering season, the Pittsburgh Pirates announced on May 8, 2025, that they have dismissed manager Derek Shelton. The decision comes as the Pirates stagger through a 12-26 start, dead last in the National League Central. Bench coach Don Kelly, a Pittsburgh native and trusted member of the coaching staff, has been named the new manager, charged with reviving a team mired in offensive struggles and mounting losses.
Shelton’s Exit: A Rebuild That Fell Short
Derek Shelton, hired in November 2019 to guide the Pirates through a rebuild under general manager Ben Cherington, leaves with a 306-440 record across five-plus seasons, a .410 winning percentage. His tenure began with a roster teardown, as the Pirates traded stars like Joe Musgrove, Josh Bell, and Jameson Taillon to rebuild their farm system. The early years were brutal: a 19-41 record in the shortened 2020 season, followed by 100-loss seasons in 2021 (61-101) and 2022 (62-100).
A ray of hope appeared in 2023 with a 76-86 finish, and in 2024, the Pirates stayed in playoff contention until a late collapse. The emergence of 2024 NL Rookie of the Year Paul Skenes last May offered promise, but the 2025 season has been a disaster. The Pirates’ offense ranks near the bottom of MLB, sitting 29th in runs, 29th in OPS, 28th in home runs, and 27th in batting average. Shelton faced criticism for lineup choices and bullpen management, particularly overworking closer David Bednar in low-leverage spots. A seven-game losing streak, punctuated by a 2-1 loss to St. Louis on May 6, proved the final straw.
Don Kelly: A Pittsburgh Native Takes Over
Don Kelly, 45, steps in as the 42nd manager in Pirates history, bringing hometown pride and a reputation as a player-first leader. Born in Butler, Pennsylvania, Kelly attended Mount Lebanon High School and Point Park University before playing nine MLB seasons, including a brief stint with the Pirates in 2007. After coaching with the Houston Astros, he joined Pittsburgh’s staff in 2020 as bench coach, earning respect for his dedication and rapport with players.
Kelly’s appointment is described as permanent for 2025, and his deep connection to Pittsburgh is seen as a potential catalyst. He inherits a team plagued by injuries to players like Jared Jones, Nick Gonzales, and offseason addition Spencer Horwitz, who remains sidelined after wrist surgery. The offense has been lifeless, scoring just five runs over the last five games, including two shutouts. Despite a strong rotation anchored by Skenes and his 2.77 ERA, the Pirates are 3-5 in his starts, highlighting their inability to produce at the plate.
A Daunting Road Ahead
Kelly’s first challenge comes immediately, with the Pirates hosting the Atlanta Braves for a weekend series starting May 9 at PNC Park. Tough matchups against the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies loom, testing Kelly’s ability to spark a turnaround. His local roots and strong clubhouse presence may boost morale, but the roster’s lack of offensive punch raises concerns.
The Pirates’ low-budget approach—opting for modest signings like Tommy Pham and Adam Frazier instead of big-name hitters—has left the lineup thin. Cherington, who pushed for Shelton’s exit, now faces pressure to address roster deficiencies. While Kelly’s promotion resonates with Pittsburgh fans, some see Shelton’s firing as a cosmetic fix that sidesteps deeper issues with team construction.
With 124 games remaining, Kelly’s mission is to maximize a young core featuring Skenes, Bryan Reynolds, and Ke’Bryan Hayes. Whether he can jolt the Pirates out of their funk and whether the front office will invest in the lineup are open questions. For now, Pittsburgh is pinning its hopes on a hometown hero to breathe life into a season teetering on the brink.
