The Pittsburgh Pirates today announced the club has extended the contract of manager Don Kelly.
The 45-year-old Kelly made his managerial debut on May 9 vs. Atlanta. Following Kelly’s appointment to being named the team’s 42nd manager in club history, Pittsburgh swept seven series, including series against the National League East champion Philadelphia Phillies (June 6-8), American League Central wild card Detroit Tigers (July 21-23) and National League West champion Los Angeles Dodgers (September 2-4).
“Donnie has earned the respect of the players, front office, and our fans – and he has certainly earned mine,” said Pirates Chairman, Bob Nutting. “Donnie took over the team at a true low point. Since then, we’ve seen meaningful progress, not just in the clubhouse culture, but on the field. His connection to the community and passion for the franchise make him more than just a manager. He is a Pittsburgher; he is part of our community. He’s the right fit, at the right time, and is the right person to lead us forward.”
“I’m proud to continue leading the Pirates,” said Kelly. “Our clubhouse is full of players who care deeply about each other, about winning, and about representing Pittsburgh the right way. I was a Pirates fan first. I know our fans deserve a team that delivers on the field, and it’s on me to make sure we reach that standard.”
Pittsburgh’s 3.59 staff ERA from May 9 through the conclusion of the regular season ranked fourth in all of Major League Baseball, trailing only Milwaukee (3.38), Texas (3.46) and Cleveland (3.52).
“Donnie is an elite communicator. He is deeply trusted by our players because he’s credible, consistent, and unafraid of tough conversations,” said Pirates General Manager, Ben Cherington. “His background as both a scout and a coach gives him a rare perspective: patience when it’s needed, and an unwavering belief in players’ ability to improve. Above all, he values people and winning. His ability to adjust, lead, and do the hard work makes him the right leader.”
The Pirates also recorded the sixth-best fielding percentage (.988) in Major League Baseball from May 9 through the end of the season, committing the sixth-fewest errors (50) in the league in that span.
Pittsburgh finished the season with a 44-37 record at PNC Park, including 37-25 under Kelly. Pittsburgh’s .597 home winning percentage under Kelly was the ninth-best mark in all of Major League Baseball.
The Pirates, who went 59-65 under Kelly, also went 32-33 following the All-Star break, while going 15-17 in their final 32 games away from PNC Park.
“This season, we fell well short as an organization both on and off the field,” added Nutting. “It has been unacceptable. Our focus must shift to execution, to delivering wins. Results are the only thing that matter. We owe it to our fans, to the city, and to the legacy of this team to get it right. Ben and everyone in the organization fully understands what is expected, and that the work ahead demands urgency. Today’s announcement of Donnie is the first of many steps we will take this offseason to bring winning baseball back to Pittsburgh.”