The Pittsburgh Pirates have made headlines by firing manager Derek Shelton just 38 games into the 2025 MLB season. After a rocky start that has seen the Pirates languish at 12-26 and 10 games behind in the NL Central, the decision comes as an effort to shake up a franchise struggling amid a poor season start. Don Kelly, previously the bench coach, has been named as Shelton’s successor as part of this pivotal change. Team owner Bob Nutting expressed urgency in addressing the team’s dismal trajectory, stating, “We need to act with a sense of urgency and take the necessary steps to fix this now.” With this shift in leadership, the spotlight remains on whether Kelly can reverse the team’s fortunes in the wake of the Pittsburgh Pirates news surrounding Shelton’s firing.
In a dramatic shift for the struggling franchise, the Pittsburgh Pirates have dismissed their manager Derek Shelton following a disappointing opening to the 2025 MLB season. The team aims to revitalize its performance after a lackluster record that has left fans longing for improvement. Stepping into the managerial role is bench coach Don Kelly, whose appointment comes amid calls for significant changes within the organization. As they look to move away from their current trajectory, questions arise about the impact of leadership changes on the team’s long-term success. With a storied franchise history at stake, this managerial overhaul marks a critical juncture for the Pirates as they seek to recover from years of underperformance.
Derek Shelton Fired Amid Disappointing Season Start
The Pittsburgh Pirates have made a significant move in their quest to rectify a dismal season by firing manager Derek Shelton just 38 games into the 2025 season. This decision comes after the team has struggled to find their footing, boasting a disappointing 12-26 record and failing to secure a victory during a painful seven-game losing streak. The mounting pressure from fans and analysts alike was evident, pinpointing Shelton’s inability to navigate the team out of a slump, particularly following an underwhelming second half in 2024.
The performance under Shelton has raised eyebrows, especially considering his record of 306-440 over more than five seasons, marked by three last-place finishes. This history of struggle has drawn the ire of a fan base desperate for improvement. With the franchise now sitting ten games back in the NL Central, it became clear that a shakeup was necessary to bolster morale and potentially recalibrate the team’s path. The recent statement from owner Bob Nutting, expressing urgency to turn things around, highlights a critical juncture for the Pirates.”
Don Kelly Named New Manager of the Pirates
In a simultaneous announcement with Shelton’s firing, the Pirates have appointed bench coach Don Kelly as their new manager. This decision reflects the organization’s desire to maintain continuity while injecting fresh energy into the team. Kelly, who has been part of the Pirates staff, is tasked with the formidable challenge of stabilizing a team in turmoil. The players and coaching staff will be looking to him for guidance as they navigate a rugged season.
Fans are cautiously optimistic about Kelly’s promotion. His familiarity with the team dynamics and his previous roles may provide a bridge between past successes and future ambitions. As Kelly steps into the managerial role, he must quickly establish his authority and strategy to get the Pirates back on track. The upcoming games will certainly be telling of how well Kelly can adapt and lead a team eager to rediscover its competitive edge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to Derek Shelton’s firing as the Pittsburgh Pirates manager?
Derek Shelton was fired as the Pittsburgh Pirates manager after a disappointing start to the 2025 season, where the team recorded a 12-26 record and lost seven consecutive games. His tenure was marked by a total record of 306-440, with three last-place finishes and no postseason appearances.
Who is the new manager following Derek Shelton’s firing?
Following Derek Shelton’s firing, the Pittsburgh Pirates announced bench coach Don Kelly as the new manager. This transition aims to rejuvenate the team amidst their poor performance in the early part of the season.
What was Bob Nutting’s statement regarding the firing of Derek Shelton?
In his statement about Derek Shelton’s firing, team owner Bob Nutting emphasized the need for urgency and decisive action to address the team’s challenges. He acknowledged Shelton’s hard work but noted that a change of scenery was necessary for the organization.
How has the Pittsburgh Pirates season started prior to Derek Shelton’s firing?
Prior to Derek Shelton’s firing, the Pittsburgh Pirates started the 2025 season poorly with a record of 12-26, placing them 10 games back in the NL Central. The team struggled significantly, with a 1-9 record in their last ten games.
What are the criticisms regarding the Pittsburgh Pirates organization following Shelton’s firing?
Critics suggest that the challenges facing the Pittsburgh Pirates extend beyond the managerial position. Analysts have noted that substantial investment in the team is crucial for meaningful change, indicating that merely changing managers may not resolve deeper issues within the organization.
How does Derek Shelton’s managerial record compare to the team’s performance since 2015?
Derek Shelton’s managerial record with the Pittsburgh Pirates was 306-440, with no postseason appearances since 2015. This consistent underperformance is reflected in the team’s multiple last-place finishes, raising concerns about the overall direction of the franchise.
What impact did Derek Shelton’s managerial approach have on the Pirates?
While Derek Shelton was recognized as a hardworking and smart baseball leader, the Pittsburgh Pirates continued to struggle under his management, culminating in his firing. However, comments from General Manager Ben Cherington suggest that some of the underlying issues were systemic and not solely attributable to Shelton’s leadership.
What does the future hold for the Pittsburgh Pirates under Don Kelly?
The future of the Pittsburgh Pirates under Don Kelly remains uncertain. While he has the opportunity to lead the team, analysts indicate that broader organizational changes and investment may be necessary to achieve long-term success.
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Manager Fired | Derek Shelton was fired 38 games into the 2025 season. |
| New Manager | Bench coach Don Kelly has been appointed as Shelton’s successor. |
| Team Performance | The Pirates have a 12-26 record, 10 games behind in the NL Central, and are on a seven-game losing streak. |
| Shelton’s Tenure | Under Shelton, the Pirates finished with a 306-440 record and no postseason appearances. |
| Owner’s Statement | Bob Nutting emphasizes the need for urgent action to fix the team and organization. |
| Deeper Issues | Analysts suggest the problems run deeper than just management changes. |
Summary
The Pittsburgh Pirates manager firing of Derek Shelton marks a significant turning point for the team as they struggle with a poor start to the 2025 season. The appointment of Don Kelly as the new manager could signal a fresh direction for the franchise, yet deeper issues persist within the organization that a simple managerial change may not resolve. As the Pirates strive to improve their standing after years of underperformance, the focus must also shift to broader organizational strategies and investments needed for genuine change.