Pirates Fire Pitching Coaches Despite Top MLB ERA Performance

The Pittsburgh Pirates have made significant coaching changes, dismissing pitching coach Oscar Marin, assistant pitching coach Brent Strom, and third base coach Mike Rabelo despite the team's pitching being a major strength in the 2025 season. Marin, who joined the Pirates in 2020, played a key role in developing several successful pitchers, contributing to one of the best pitching staffs in MLB with a 3.76 ERA and leading the majors in shutouts. Strom, who announced his retirement after one season with the team, had previously coached with Houston and Arizona. These moves are surprising given the Pirates' pitching success, while their hitting remained among the worst in MLB. The decisions have raised eyebrows as the team retained hitting coaches despite poor offensive performance. The changes mark a notable shift in the Pirates' coaching staff as they prepare for the 2026 season.