Pirates Fire Manager Derek Shelton After 12-26 Start

The Pittsburgh Pirates fired manager Derek Shelton after a poor start to the 2025 MLB season, with the team holding a 12-26 record and enduring a seven-game losing streak. Shelton, who managed the Pirates since 2020, amassed a 306-440 record without ever posting a winning season, leading to calls from fans for a change amid underperformance despite some pitching strengths. Pirates bench coach Don Kelly was named as Shelton's replacement, bringing hope as a familiar and respected figure within the organization, with some analysts comparing his potential impact to successful managerial transitions in other MLB teams. Meanwhile, the Baltimore Orioles, who experienced significant success under manager Brandon Hyde in recent years—including an AL East championship in 2023—have struggled in 2025, raising questions about Hyde's leadership and the players' buy-in during this down period. Both managerial situations highlight the pressures MLB teams face to quickly respond to poor performance and the importance of strong leadership to navigate rebuilding phases or competitive slumps.