Key Highlights
- Derek Shelton fired early in the 2025 season by the Pittsburgh Pirates.
- Don Kelly replaces Shelton as manager for the upcoming 2026 and beyond seasons.
- General manager Ben Cherington retains his position for 2026 despite speculation.
- The Pirates have a strong pitching core but struggle with their offensive lineup.
Managerial Changes and Team Dynamics
The Pittsburgh Pirates faced significant challenges in the 2025 season, culminating in the firing of manager Derek Shelton early on. The team’s performance was severely impacted by an anemic offense, scoring just 583 runs, which placed them last in the majors.
New Manager Takes Over
Following the departure of Shelton, Don Kelly, who served as the bench coach, has been appointed as the new manager. This decision is seen as a step towards turning the team’s fortunes around, with Kelly set to guide the Pirates into the 2026 and beyond seasons.
Finding Balance in an Uneven Lineup
The Pittsburgh Pirates have drawn praise for their young pitching, headlined by Paul Skenes, who is expected to win the NL Cy Young award. However, the team’s batting lineup remains a source of concern. The Pirates scored only 117 home runs and ranked last in slugging percentage. Addressing this offensive deficiency will be a priority as the club enters the offseason.
Financial Commitments and Player Decisions
General manager Ben Cherington faces pressure to bolster the lineup despite his job security for 2026. The Pirates have several guaranteed contracts, including Bryan Reynolds, outfielder with a $76 million deal through 2030 (including a buyout of 2031 club option), and Mitch Keller, right-handed pitcher with a $54.5 million contract through 2028.
Additionally, the team has several arbitration-eligible players who will need to be addressed in the coming months. Dennis Santana, Johan Oviedo, Joey Bart, Justin Lawrence, Yohan Ramirez, Colin Holderman, Oneil Cruz, and Dauri Moreta are among those who will seek salary increases through the negotiation process.
Looking Ahead: Roster Adjustments
The Pittsburgh Pirates seem more likely to add rather than subtract from their roster. However, veteran players may be available via trade as the team seeks young, MLB-ready hitters to augment its lineup. The focus is on acquiring talent that can complement a strong pitching staff and improve overall performance.
With owner Bob Nutting calling for “urgency,” there is pressure on Cherington to address the team’s offensive shortcomings before the start of the 2026 season.
The Pirates’ ability to turn things around will depend significantly on their success in the offseason, particularly in addressing their bats.
The upcoming offseason outlook for the Pittsburgh Pirates is fraught with challenges but also opportunities. As they prepare for the 2026 season, the team faces a crucial task of balancing its pitching strength with an improved offensive lineup to compete at the highest level in Major League Baseball.
