The Pittsburgh Pirates fired manager Derek Shelton on May 8, 2025. Don Kelly was named the interim manager on that day, and the Pirates have looked a lot better ever since.
Pittsburgh's record ever since he took over as manager is 45-48 It is under .500 but it is better than what they were under Shelton. Overall, this season, Pittsburgh has a 64-77 and remain in last place in the National League Central, but Kelly might appear to be the right man to lead this team moving forward. The Pirates just swept the Los Angeles Dodgers in a three-game series and won 5-3 on Thursday night.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Writer Believes That the Pittsburgh Pirates are Going to Keep Don Kelly as Manager in 2026
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette columnist Jason Mackey posted his thoughts on Twitter about the Pirates manager on Thursday night after the sweep against the Dodgers. Mackey said,
"No question Don Kelly returns as Pirates manager in 2026. Was never much of one. Far bigger issue is what Pirates finishing this way would mean for Ben Cherington. I could see it convincing Bob Nutting to stay the course."
Are the Pirates finally turning the corner or is this potentially fool's gold heading into 2026? Pittsburgh has not been in the playoffs since the 2015 season. If the Pirates continue to win ball games down the stretch, there is no doubt that Kelly will be back as manager in 2026. They have one of the best pitching rotations in baseball, but general manager Ben Cherington is going to need to spend some money to buy some hitting.
Kelly also played for the Pirates for the 2007 MLB season. Up next for the Pirates will be a three-game home series against the Milwaukee Brewers. Milwaukee is the best team in the MLB. If Pittsburgh can win two games in this series, then the Pirates fanbase will be sold on keeping Kelly around as the manager for the 2026 MLB season.
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