Pirates Part Ways with Manager Derek Shelton After Dismal Start

The Pittsburgh Pirates have relieved Derek Shelton of his managerial duties following a disastrous start to the 2024 season. After a mere 12 wins in their first 38 games, the team’s front office decided a change was necessary to salvage what was initially envisioned as a promising year. Shelton, who was in his sixth year at the helm, becomes the first managerial casualty of the current MLB season.

The decision to part ways with Shelton comes as a shock to some, given the initial optimism surrounding the Pirates entering the season. Pre-season projections pegged them as a potential fringe playoff contender, fueled by a talented and youthful starting rotation. Leading the charge was Paul Skenes, the highly touted prospect widely considered the frontrunner for the National League Rookie of the Year award. However, the team’s performance on the field has failed to live up to expectations, prompting the organization to take decisive action.

The primary culprit for the Pirates’ struggles has been their anemic offense. Through the first quarter of the season, they have averaged a league-worst 3.11 runs per game. This offensive drought has consistently undermined the efforts of the pitching staff, regardless of how well they perform. The inability to score runs has resulted in numerous close losses and a growing sense of frustration among players and fans alike.

While the offense has been the most glaring weakness, the pitching staff has also underperformed. The team’s collective earned run average (ERA) of 4.31 ranks a disappointing 21st among the 30 MLB teams. Despite the presence of promising young arms like Skenes, the pitching staff has struggled with consistency and has been unable to consistently shut down opposing offenses. This combination of offensive futility and mediocre pitching has proven to be a recipe for disaster, leading to the Pirates’ disappointing record.

Stepping in to fill the void left by Shelton is bench coach Don Kelly, a Pittsburgh native with a deep connection to the city and the team. Kelly, who enjoyed a nine-year major league career playing for the Pirates, Detroit Tigers, and Miami Marlins, will assume the role of interim manager. His familiarity with the organization and his previous experience as a player make him a logical choice to lead the team for the remainder of the season.

General Manager Ben Cherington expressed his gratitude for Shelton’s contributions to the organization, acknowledging the hard work and dedication he displayed during his tenure.

“Derek worked incredibly hard and sacrificed a lot over five-plus years,” Cherington said in a statement. “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.”

Shelton’s overall record as the Pirates’ manager was 306-440. Hired prior to the 2020 season, his tenure was marked by periods of rebuilding and development. The Pirates endured challenging seasons, including losing 101 games in 2021 and 100 games in 2022. However, the team showed signs of progress in the past two years, finishing with a 76-86 record in both 2023 and 2024. Despite these improvements, the slow start to the current season ultimately led to his dismissal.

Pirates chairman Bob Nutting echoed Cherington’s sentiments, expressing his disappointment with the team’s performance and emphasizing the need for immediate improvement.

Said 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. 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.”

Nutting’s statement underscores the urgency with which the organization views the current situation. The Pirates are determined to turn things around and remain committed to competing for a playoff spot. The decision to fire Shelton is a clear indication that the team is willing to make drastic changes in order to achieve its goals.

The immediate challenge for Don Kelly is to inject some life into the struggling offense. He will need to find ways to get the team’s hitters to produce more consistently and provide better run support for the pitching staff. He will also need to foster a positive and supportive environment in the clubhouse, helping the players regain their confidence and focus on the task at hand.

The Pirates’ front office will also be actively searching for a permanent replacement for Shelton. The team will likely consider a range of candidates, including experienced managers with a proven track record of success, as well as up-and-coming coaches with innovative ideas and a strong understanding of the modern game. The hiring process will be thorough and deliberate, as the Pirates are determined to find the right person to lead the team into the future.

The firing of Derek Shelton marks a significant turning point for the Pittsburgh Pirates. The team is facing a difficult situation, but they remain optimistic about their chances of turning things around. With Don Kelly at the helm and a renewed sense of urgency throughout the organization, the Pirates are determined to prove that they are still a force to be reckoned with in the National League. The coming weeks and months will be crucial as the team attempts to climb back into contention and salvage their season. The fanbase awaits to see if this change will be the catalyst for a much-needed turnaround. The pressure is on for Kelly and the Pirates organization to deliver.