Pittsburgh Pirates Fire Manager Derek Shelton Amid Disappointing Season

Pittsburgh, PA — The Pittsburgh Pirates took a significant step on Tuesday by firing manager Derek Shelton early in the 2025 season. Shelton was replaced by the team’s bench coach, whose name has yet to be announced. The move raises questions about General Manager Ben Cherington’s future, as speculation mounts around the team’s direction moving forward.

The Pirates’ 2025 season has been marred by a lackluster offense, scoring only 583 runs, the lowest in Major League Baseball. In stark contrast, the New York Yankees led the league with 849 runs. The Pirates also struggled with power, hitting just 117 home runs, which ranked 30th in the league.

As the team attempts to bounce back, they face criticism for their offensive struggles. Fans and analysts suggest that bolstering the lineup should be the priority for Cherington, especially after recent declarations from team owner Bob Nutting emphasizing the need for “urgency” in improving the roster.

Despite a strong pitching core that includes likely NL Cy Young winner Paul Skenes, the Pirates have found it difficult to provide adequate support offensively, further complicating their search for a winning formula. Cherington has stated his intent to make improvements, but fans are skeptical after years of disappointment.

“We need to focus on adding young talent,” one fan commented. “We have some strong arms, but we need hitters who can support them.”

The organization, which hasn’t seen playoff action since 2015, is hoping for a productive offseason. Analysts suggest that acquiring several skilled players could revitalize the Pirates’ lineup.

Moving forward, the Pirates are expected to pursue trades and free-agent signings, but they must also deal with the risk of further disappointments as they plan for the 2026 season.

As speculation swirls about potential trades and new signings, one thing is clear: the pressure is on for the Pirates to evolve and end their long postseason drought or risk continued frustration from fans.