Pirates CEO Assures Fans Owner Won’t Sell Team Despite Frustration

PITTSBURGH, Pa. — Pittsburgh Pirates CEO Travis Williams addressed growing fan frustration over the team’s lack of success during a Q&A session at the organization’s annual offseason fan fest on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2025. Williams confirmed that owner Bob Nutting has no plans to sell the team, despite calls from fans for a change in ownership.

As Williams began answering questions, a fan shouted, “Sell the team,” sparking applause and chants from the crowd. Greg Brown, the Pirates’ longtime television play-by-play announcer, intervened, urging fans to remain respectful. Williams, seated alongside general manager Ben Cherington and manager Derek Shelton, acknowledged the frustration but emphasized Nutting’s commitment to winning.

“We know, at the end of the day, this is all passion that has turned into frustration relative to winning,” Williams said, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “Bob is not going to sell the team. He cares about Pittsburgh, he cares about winning, and we’re working towards that every day.”

Nutting, who has owned the Pirates since 2018, was scheduled to attend the event later in the day. However, his absence during the Q&A session drew criticism from fans, who have grown increasingly impatient with the team’s performance. The Pirates have not had a winning season since 2018 and have finished last in the National League Central four times in the past six years.

Last season, the Pirates went 76-86, marking their fourth last-place finish in six years. Despite a promising midseason record of 55-52, the team collapsed in August and September, going 21-34 to end the season. Williams pointed to the team’s struggles in the final months as a key factor in their disappointing finish.

“We were going into August two games above .500, but unfortunately, we had a tough run in August,” Williams said. “That tough run took us out of the hunt for the wild card. From myself to Ben to Derek to everyone in the organization, we are absolutely committed to winning.”

Williams also highlighted the arrival of the reigning NL Rookie of the Year as a bright spot for the team. However, the Pirates’ lack of postseason appearances—just three since 1992—has left fans skeptical of the organization’s ability to turn things around.

“We know there is frustration because we are not winning,” Williams said. “But that’s not due to a lack of commitment or desire to win. We are working every day to put a winning product on the field.”