Pirates Extend Don Kelly Through 2026 After Meaningful Progress

The Pittsburgh Pirates have officially committed to Don Kelly as their manager through the 2026 season. His impressive stint as interim skipper in 2025 made a strong case for this decision.

He took over a struggling ballclub in May and quickly steadied things. Players, the front office, and the Pittsburgh community all seemed to rally behind him.

This move shows the organization’s faith in his vision. They’re determined to build a contender around the team’s emerging pitching core.

Don Kelly’s Path to Full-Time Leadership

When Don Kelly stepped in for Derek Shelton after a rough 12-26 start, the Pirates needed a lifeline. By the end of the season, they finished 71-91—still not a winning record, but a noticeable improvement.

Kelly led the squad to a 59-65 mark during his time in charge. They even went 32-33 after the All-Star break, which honestly felt like a breath of fresh air.

Impact Beyond the Wins and Losses

Team officials pointed to Kelly’s leadership presence and the energy he brought into the clubhouse. He connected well with both veterans and rookies.

His efforts to reach out to the broader Pittsburgh community didn’t go unnoticed. Those intangible qualities played a big part in the decision to keep him at the helm.

Transforming the Pitching Staff

Kelly’s work with the Pirates’ pitching staff in 2025 stands out. Under his watch, Pittsburgh posted a sharp 3.59 ERA—the fourth-best mark in Major League Baseball.

They also improved defensively, ranking sixth in fielding percentage. That’s not something you see every day from a team in transition.

Paul Skenes Leads the Charge

Paul Skenes, just 23, emerged as the centerpiece of the rotation. His season—216 strikeouts and a 1.97 ERA—put him squarely in the NL Cy Young Award conversation.

Mitch Keller and Bubba Chandler also stepped up as rotation anchors. There are several highly touted pitching prospects waiting in the wings, so the Pirates suddenly have enviable depth on the mound.

The Offense Problem

Pitching shined, but the lineup just couldn’t keep up. The Pirates ranked dead last in runs scored, home runs, and OPS.

Even with a solid 37-25 home record under Kelly, the offense often let them down. It’s a glaring issue that can’t be ignored.

Offseason Priorities

Ownership and the front office say the offseason will focus on revamping the offense. They need to add consistent run production, whether it’s through free agency, trades, or developing their own guys.

Kelly’s extension feels like the first building block in restoring winning baseball to Pittsburgh. The pressure’s on to get the bats going.

Why Kelly’s Extension Matters

Locking in Don Kelly for multiple seasons gives the Pirates some stability. Players finally have a leader they trust.

He’s shown tactical smarts and knows how to inspire. In a tough NL Central, that kind of consistency might just make a difference.

Signs of a Cultural Shift

Kelly’s influence is starting to show in subtle ways. He emphasizes fundamentals, defensive discipline, and a pitching-first approach.

That fits the current roster’s strengths. If they can upgrade the offense, Pittsburgh could go from rebuilding to contending faster than most expect.

Looking Ahead to 2026 and Beyond

Pirates fans have put up with a lot of ups and downs over the years. But with a young, confident pitching staff, there’s finally some real optimism.

Skenes, Keller, and Chandler anchor the rotation, and more talent is coming. Pittsburgh’s path back to contention feels clearer than it has in a long time.

Key Factors for Future Success

For the Pirates to keep building momentum under Kelly, they’ll need to focus on a few things:

• Find or develop hitters who can actually drive in runs.
• Keep the pitching staff performing at the level they hit in 2025.
• Stick to a core of young, controllable players and let them grow together.
• Stay active in the community and keep fans excited about what’s coming.

Managerial stability, some real pitching talent, and a front office that finally seems serious about fixing the lineup—these ingredients have Pittsburgh fans hoping for a real comeback. The next couple of seasons will show if Kelly can actually turn all this potential into October baseball or if it’s just another tease.

 
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