PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates announced Thursday the dismissal of manager Derek Shelton, promoting bench coach Don Kelly to the managerial role. The decision follows a more-than-disappointing start to the 2025 season, epitomized by a 5-0 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday, which capped a sweep and a disastrous 12-26 record, good for the third-worst record in baseball.
Derek Shelton has been relieved of his duties as Pirates Manager.
Pirates Bench Coach, Don Kelly, has been named manager. pic.twitter.com/dOO9dDwf5t
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) May 8, 2025
Derek Shelton Fired as Pirates Manager
Shelton, hired in November 2019, compiled a 256-403 record, a .389 winning percentage, second worst in franchise history (min. 500 games managed). Despite a contract extension in 2023, the Pirates struggled with consistency, often failing to play above expectations. General manager Ben Cherington acknowledged Shelton’s efforts, saying, “He’s an incredibly smart, curious, and driven baseball leader,” but emphasized the need for change, per the team’s statement. Owner Bob Nutting added, “The first quarter of the season has been frustrating and painful for all of us. We have to do better.” Reports of player discontent occasionally surfaced, with some unnamed sources in 2023 noting Shelton’s communication style clashed with younger players, though veterans like Andrew McCutchen publicly praised his leadership.
Don Kelly Steps Into Managerial Role
Don Kelly, named the 42nd manager in Pirates history, brings a wealth of experience. The 45-year-old Pittsburgh native played 585 MLB games across the Pirates, Detroit Tigers, and Miami Marlins from 2007-16, notably contributing to Detroit’s 2012 World Series run under Jim Leyland. A versatile utility player, Kelly batted .230 with 23 home runs, playing every position, including pitcher. Since retiring, he served as the Houston Astros’ first base coach in 2019 before joining Pittsburgh as bench coach in 2020.
Nutting expressed Kelly’s connection with Pittsburgh, saying, “He is a Pirate. He bleeds black and gold,” while Cherington highlighted his skills and care for the team, “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. I look forward to working with him even more closely.”
Pirates owner Bob Nutting on Pittsburgh native Don Kelly becoming new manager: “Donnie is as respected as any person in our clubhouse and throughout our organization. He is a Pirate. He bleeds black and gold. No one is more committed, and no one loves this team or city more…
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) May 8, 2025
Photo Credit: © Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
