PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates have parted ways with manager Derek Shelton due to a disappointing start to the 2025 season.
Bench coach Don Kelly will serve as interim manager as the team struggles with a 12-26 record, trailing the Chicago Cubs by 10 games and holding the third-worst record in MLB.
General Manager Ben Cherington praised Shelton’s dedication over his five-year tenure, noting his intelligence and leadership but stated a change was needed. “Derek and his family were a big part of the Pirates. We wish them the best,” Cherington said.
Owner Bob Nutting acknowledged Shelton’s contributions but emphasized the need for improvement. “The season has been tough. We must act urgently to get back on track,” Nutting said.
The Pirates aim to turn their season around with significant baseball still to be played.
Derek Shelton became Pittsburgh Pirates manager on November 27, 2019, succeeding Clint Hurdle’s nine-year tenure.
Under Shelton, the Pirates struggled, posting a 19-41 record in the COVID-impacted 2020 season, followed by consecutive 100-loss seasons: 61-101 in 2021 and 62-100 in 2022.
The team showed early promise in the next two seasons, starting 20-8 in 2023 but collapsing to 76-86 after a midseason skid. In 2024, they began 11-5 in April and reached 55-52 by July 30, contending for a Wild Card spot, only to falter with an 8-19 August, including a 10-game losing streak, ending their playoff hopes.
Shelton’s overall record with the Pirates was 306-440, a .410 winning percentage. The team has not reached the playoffs since 2015 or had a winning season since 2018.
Leave a Reply