Pirates Axe Manager Shelton After 12-26 Start, Skenes Demands Accountability

The Pittsburgh Pirates sent shockwaves through Major League Baseball this week, dismissing manager Derek Shelton after a dismal 12-26 start to the 2025 season. The decision, though tough, reflects a team grappling with unfulfilled potential despite boasting a roster brimming with young stars like Paul Skenes, Oneil Cruz, and Bryan Reynolds.

Skenes, the Pirates' standout pitcher, didn’t hold back when addressing the firing. "We’re 12-26. Someone’s gotta be held accountable," he said bluntly to reporters, acknowledging the harsh reality of the team’s performance. Yet, he questioned the impact of a managerial change, adding, "I don’t know if it fixes the root of the issue. We just need to play better." His words cut to the heart of the matter: accountability lies not just in the dugout but on the field.

Pirates GM Ben Cherington praised Shelton’s dedication, noting his "incredibly smart, curious, and driven" leadership over five-plus years. Still, Cherington admitted a change was necessary to jolt the organization. Chairman Bob Nutting echoed the sentiment, calling the season’s start "frustrating and painful" and emphasizing the need for urgency to salvage the campaign.

Don Kelly, the Pirates’ bench coach, steps in as Shelton’s replacement, tasked with steering a team that showed promise last summer but finished 76-86. With plenty of baseball left, the Pirates face a pivotal moment to harness their talent and turn the tide.