Derek Shelton is out as manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates. The team announced on Thursday that it has relieved Shelton of his duties and named bench coach Don Kelly the new manager.
“Derek worked incredibly hard and sacrificed a lot over five-plus years. His family became a big part of the Pirates family, and we will miss that,” said Pirates General Manager Ben Cherington in a statement. “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.”
Shelton had been the Pirates' manager since 2020, but never had a .500 season -- coming closest with back-to-back 76-86 finishes the last two years. The team was off to a 12-26 start this season, giving them the second-worst record in the National League. Shelton finishes with an overall 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.
“There is a lot of baseball left to be played,” added Nutting. “We need to act with a sense of urgency and take the steps necessary to fix this now to get back on track as a team and organization.”
Kelly, who had been the Pirates' bench coach since 2020, will now take over as a first-time manager. He also spent time as a first base coach for the Houston Astros in 2019.
“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.”
“Donnie is as respected as any person in our clubhouse and throughout our organization,” said Nutting. “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.”