Pittsburgh Pirates Part Ways with Manager Derek Shelton
In a bold move, the Pittsburgh Pirates recently made headlines by dismissing manager Derek Shelton following a challenging start to the 2025 season. The decision came after the team recorded a disappointing 12-26 record, marking a rough patch for the franchise that has struggled to find its footing since a fleeting playoff run nearly a decade ago.
The Pirates have a roster filled with promising young players, including talents like Paul Skenes, Oneil Cruz, Bryan Reynolds, and Ke’Bryan Hayes. Despite the potential these athletes bring, the team has not met expectations this season. Skenes, who expressed his feelings about the situation, stated he "wasn’t shocked" by Shelton’s dismissal.
The pitcher said, "We’re 12-26. Someone’s gotta be held accountable. Unfortunately, right now, it’s him." He added, however, that a managerial change alone won’t solve the problems the team faces. Ultimately, he believes it’s up to the players to perform better on the field.
General Manager Ben Cherington expressed his sentiments about Shelton’s departure, highlighting the manager’s dedication over the past five years. "Derek worked incredibly hard and sacrificed a lot," Cherington said. "I believe he was the right person for the job when he was hired. But I also believe that a change is now necessary." He praised Shelton’s intelligence and passion for the game while wishing him and his family the best in their future endeavors.
The team has appointed bench coach Don Kelly as Shelton’s replacement. Kelly will be tasked with turning around the Pirates’ fortunes as they aim to reclaim competitiveness in the league.
Pirates Chairman Bob Nutting also weighed in on the coaching change, acknowledging the frustration felt by everyone involved. "The first quarter of the season has been frustrating and painful for all of us. We have to do better," he remarked. He emphasized the importance of urgency in taking steps to improve the organization’s performance. “There is a lot of baseball left to be played,” Nutting added, underscoring the need for decisive action.
Last season, the Pirates were in the chase for a postseason spot but ultimately finished with a record of 76-86. This decline in performance likely contributed to the decision to part ways with Shelton, as the organization aims for a turnaround.
As the new season progresses, fans across Pittsburgh will be paying close attention to how the team adapts under Kelly’s leadership. With a mix of young talent and the urgency to improve, there is hope that the Pirates can navigate through this rough patch and elevate their game.
The overall sentiment from players and management is one of accountability and the understanding that improvements must come from within the team. As the Pirates move forward, the focus will be on developing their roster and fixing the underlying issues contributing to their rocky start.
In the world of Major League Baseball, changes like these can be a catalyst for renewal, and the Pirates are hoping this decision will mark the beginning of a new chapter for the franchise. The journey ahead will test the team’s resilience, determination, and commitment to excellence.
The coming games will reveal whether the managerial change will yield positive outcomes. Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching as the Pirates strive to turn their season around and restore hope in Pittsburgh’s baseball community.
