When then-Manager Derek Shelton was fired, the Pittsburgh Pirates were a mess. The Pirates had a record of 12-26 and only the woeful Colorado Rockies had a worse record. However, since Don Kelly was named the interim manager, the Bucs have had a record of 52-54, player energy is now different, and younger prospects are progressing. Given how much the team has significantly improved since Kelly took over, the Pirates need to remove his interim tag and make him their full-time manager.

Early Struggles Under Derek Shelton Embed from Getty Images

At the beginning of the 2025 season, under then-Manager Derek Shelton, the Pittsburgh Pirates were in disarray. The team got off to a 12-26 start and only the hapless Colorado Rockies had a worse record. They were also averaging a National League-worst 3.1 runs per game and had only hit 15 home runs. Given how poorly this team had played, the only thing keeping them from being completely irrelevant was the pitching prowess of Cy Young candidate Paul Skenes. Eventually, on May 8th, after compiling a .410 winning percentage and no postseason appearances, the team fired Manager Derek Shelton after almost six years with the team. To finish out the season, the Pirates named then-Bench Coach Don Kelly as the interim manager.

The Pirates Have Been A Different Team Since Don Kelly Took Over Embed from Getty Images

Since Kelly took over, the Pittsburgh Pirates have played significantly better. Under Kelly, the Pirates have compiled a record of 52-54, a far cry from their 12-26 start. This includes series sweeps against postseason contenders like the Dodgers, Mets, Philles, Tigers, and Blue Jays. More importantly, since Kelly became the skipper, the Pirates have been tough to beat at PNC Park, going 35-19 at home. Overall, Pittsburgh has been a much more competitive team since Don Kelly was named interim manager.

Veterans Respect Him And Younger Players Are Thriving Embed from Getty Images

Don Kelly has brought a strong focus on player development, emphasizing adaptability and a strong work ethic. He’s fostered an environment where younger players are encouraged to grow and contribute meaningfully to the team’s success. Young players like Oneil Cruz, Jared Triolo, Braxton Ashcraft, Spencer Horwitz, and Henry Davis are excelling under Kelly. Before his rough debut, Bubba Chandler was experiencing success as well. The interim manager has even earned the respect of team leaders like Paul Skenes, Andrew McCutchen, and Bryan Reynolds. With younger players currently progressing in their development, Pittsburgh has plenty of reason to make Kelly the permanent manager.

There Is No Reason To Not Remove Don Kelly’s Interim Tag Embed from Getty Images

In just four months, Interim Manager Don Kelly has already made a significant impact on the Pirates by quickly getting a buy-in from all the players. Since their 12-26 start, the Pirates have become a much more competitive team and younger players have made significant progress in their development. Given all the positive developments that have occurred under Don Kelly, the Pittsburgh Pirates have no reason to interview other managerial candidates.

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