Pirates Retain GM Cherington, Extend Manager Kelly Amid Rebuilding

The Pittsburgh Pirates have decided to retain both manager Don Kelly and general manager Ben Cherington for the 2026 season despite a disappointing 71-91 record in 2025. Kelly, who was promoted to manager in May after Derek Shelton's firing, improved the team's performance to a 59-65 record under his leadership, which was the best winning percentage since 2018. Cherington, who has been GM since 2019, will enter his seventh season despite the team's continued struggles and six consecutive losing seasons under his tenure. Team president Travis Williams and owner Bob Nutting expressed confidence that maintaining stability in leadership is crucial for rebuilding, with hopes to contend in 2026 anchored by a promising pitching staff led by Paul Skenes. The Pirates face challenges, including operating with one of the lowest payrolls in Major League Baseball, which limits their ability to improve the roster substantially. The organization emphasizes urgency and execution as they aim to end a decade of irrelevance and return to playoff contention.