The Pittsburgh Pirates announced on Monday that they have extended interim manager Don Kelly.
Kelly was named the interim manager for the Pirates in May after the organization let go of former skipper Derek Shelton and made his managerial debut for Pittsburgh on May 9 against the Atlanta Braves.
The 45-year-old manager has made an immediate impact in his short tenure at the helm of the Pirates, which included sweeping a total of seven series, including current playoff teams such as the Philadelphia Phillies, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Detroit Tigers.
“Donnie took over the team at a true low point. Since then, we’ve seen meaningful progress, not just in the clubhouse culture, but on the field," Pittsburgh Pirates Chairman Bob Nutting said on Kelly's impact.
When Kelly was appointed manager in May, the Pirates had started their season as they had in years past, scuffling to a 12-26 before Shelton was fired. From there, Kelly would make strides in terms of the hand he was dealt, finishing the year 59-65 for the remaining games.
“This season, we fell well short as an organization both on and off the field,” added Nutting. “It has been unacceptable. Our focus must shift to execution, to delivering wins. Results are the only thing that matter. We owe it to our fans, to the city, and to the legacy of this team to get it right," Nutting continued in the press release.
Heading into 2026, the pressure to finally break out of the losing culture that has reigned over Pittsburgh baseball is intensifying, and with a trusting manager at the helm, along with a strong farm system and a once-in-a-generation talent in Paul Skenes, the Pirates have every opportunity to have a guns ablazing approach for the future and beyond.