The Pittsburgh Pirates announced earlier today that they had relieved manager Derek Shelton of his duties and promoted bench coach Don Kelly to the position. With a 12-26 record, the Pirates have the third-worst winning percentage in Major League Baseball, ahead of only the Chicago White Sox (10-27) and the Colorado Rockies (6-29).
“Derek worked incredibly hard and sacrificed a lot over five-plus years,” said general manager Ben Cherington in a statement released by the team. “His family became a big part of the Pirates family, and we will miss that. He’s an incredibly smart, curious, and driven baseball leader. I believe he was the right person for the job when he was hired. I also believe that a change is now necessary. I wish Derek and his family all the best in their next chapter.”
The Pittsburgh Pirates fired manager Derek Shelton following a 12-26 start that has them in last place in the National League Central. Don Kelly, the former big leaguer who was serving as bench coach, is the team’s new manager.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) May 8, 2025
Previously serving as a hitting coach and a bench coach, Shelton was named the Pirates’ manager on November 27th, 2019. During his tenure, he accumulated a record of 306-440.
“Derek is a good man who did a lot for the Pirates and Pittsburgh, but it was time for a change,” said Pirates chairman Bob Nutting. “The first quarter of the season has been frustrating and painful for all of us. We have to do better. I know that. Ben knows that. Our coaches know that. Our players know that.”
Former big leaguer and longtime bench coach Don Kelly will be taking over as the Pirates’ skipper. Before becoming Pittsburgh’s bench coach, Kelly served as a first base coach for the Houston Astros in 2019. He also used to be a scout for the Detroit Tigers.
“I believe strongly Donnie is the right person to manage the team right now,” said Cherington. “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.”
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
“Donnie is as respected as any person in our clubhouse and throughout our organization,” Nutting added. “He is a Pirate. He bleeds black and gold. No one is more committed, and no one loves this team or city more than Donnie. He is the right person to manage our team and help get us back on track.”
The Pirates are off today as they get set to host the Atlanta Braves with the hope of snapping their seven-game losing streak. That game is scheduled to begin tomorrow at 6:40 p.m. EDT.
