Pirates Extend Manager Don Kelly After Strong Second Half
UPDATE: The Pittsburgh Pirates have just announced a contract extension for manager Don Kelly, following a season marked by significant improvement. After stepping in as interim manager on May 8, 2023, Kelly led the team to a 32-33 record in the second half of the season, a stark contrast to their dismal start.
The Pirates, who finished the season with a 71-91 record, have been struggling for postseason contention since 2015. However, the organization praised Kelly’s leadership for fostering a better clubhouse culture and on-field performance, especially as the team’s staff ERA improved to 3.59, ranking fourth in MLB under his guidance.
Pirates chairman Bob Nutting expressed confidence in Kelly, stating, “Donnie has earned the respect of the players, front office, and our fans… Since then, we’ve seen meaningful progress.” This extension signals the Pirates’ commitment to building a competitive team while acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead.
Kelly, a lifelong Pirates fan and former player, expressed pride in his new role. “Our clubhouse is full of players who care deeply about each other… and it’s on me to make sure we reach that standard,” he stated. His connection to the community adds a personal touch to his leadership, making him more than just a coach.
The Pirates’ ace, Paul Skenes, has emerged as a standout player this season, finishing with 216 strikeouts and an impressive 1.97 ERA, making him a frontrunner for the NL Cy Young Award. This young talent, alongside players like Mitch Keller and Bubba Chandler, positions the Pirates for a potentially stronger rotation next year.
Despite these advancements, the team faced challenges offensively, ranking last in several major categories. Nutting emphasized the need for urgent improvement, stating, “This season, we fell well short… Our focus must shift to execution, to delivering wins.”
General manager Ben Cherington endorsed Kelly’s capabilities, highlighting his communication skills and credibility with players. “His ability to adjust, lead, and do the hard work makes him the right leader,” Cherington noted.
As the Pirates embark on an offseason aimed at turning around their fortunes, today’s extension of Kelly marks a critical first step. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely for further developments in the coming months as Pittsburgh seeks to reclaim its place in Major League Baseball.
This story is developing, and we will continue to provide updates as the Pirates navigate their offseason strategy.
