UPDATE: The Pittsburgh Pirates have officially extended the contract of interim manager Don Kelly, following a season marked by significant improvement under his leadership. This announcement was made on September 25, 2023, just four months after Kelly took over from Derek Shelton, who was dismissed on May 8 due to a dismal 12-26 start.
Under Kelly, the Pirates, who finished the season with a 71-91 record, displayed a noticeable turnaround, going 32-33 post-All-Star break. Pirates chairman Bob Nutting praised Kelly for fostering a positive culture within the team and making “meaningful progress” on the field.
“Donnie has earned the respect of the players, front office, and our fans — and he has certainly earned mine,” Nutting stated.
The team’s pitching significantly improved, evidenced by a 3.59 ERA after Kelly’s appointment, ranking fourth overall in Major League Baseball. Additionally, the Pirates excelled defensively, holding a fielding percentage of .988, which placed them sixth in the league. The franchise also boasted a strong home record of 37-25 under Kelly’s guidance.
“I’m proud to continue leading the Pirates,” Kelly said. “Our clubhouse is full of players who care deeply about each other, about winning, and about representing Pittsburgh the right way.” Kelly, a native of Pittsburgh and former player for the franchise, expressed commitment to delivering success to the team’s passionate fanbase.
Despite the improvements, the Pirates struggled offensively, finishing at the bottom of the league in key categories such as runs and home runs. Nutting acknowledged that the organization fell short of expectations this season, emphasizing the need for urgent execution to deliver 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 added.
Looking ahead, the Pirates aim to build on their pitching strength, with ace right-hander Paul Skenes emerging as a potential contender for the NL Cy Young Award after a stellar season that included 216 strikeouts and a 1.97 ERA. General manager Ben Cherington highlighted Kelly’s communication skills and trustworthiness as vital for the team’s future success.
As the offseason approaches, the Pirates are focused on making strategic moves to enhance their roster and improve their offensive capabilities. The extension of Kelly signals a commitment to stability and leadership as they strive to return to playoff contention for the first time since 2015.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the Pirates take these critical steps towards rebuilding their franchise. The urgency for improvement is palpable as the organization seeks to meet the expectations of its loyal supporters.