Pirates Fire Derek Shelton: What's Next?

It's official, folks! The Pittsburgh Pirates have parted ways with their manager, Derek Shelton. This news has sent ripples throughout the baseball world, leaving many fans wondering what led to this decision and, more importantly, who will be stepping into the dugout next. Let's dive deep into the details, analyze the factors that might have contributed to Shelton's departure, and speculate on potential candidates to take the helm.

The Shelton Era: A Look Back

Derek Shelton's tenure with the Pirates was, to put it mildly, a rollercoaster. Hired in December 2019, he inherited a team in rebuilding mode. The Pirates were looking to usher in a new era, focusing on developing young talent and building a sustainable foundation for future success. Shelton's background as a hitting coach and bench coach was seen as a valuable asset, someone who could connect with players and foster a positive clubhouse environment.

However, the wins didn't come as quickly as fans had hoped. The Pirates struggled to compete in the highly competitive National League Central division. While there were glimpses of potential, especially with the emergence of promising young players like Ke'Bryan Hayes and Oneil Cruz, consistency remained elusive. Shelton's record with the Pirates reflects the challenges the team faced. While he was praised for his player development skills and his ability to keep the team morale high during tough times, the ultimate measure of success in baseball is wins and losses.

Several factors contributed to the Pirates' struggles during Shelton's time. The team's payroll was consistently among the lowest in Major League Baseball, limiting their ability to acquire established stars. The farm system, while improving, still needed time to produce a consistent stream of major league-ready talent. Injuries also played a significant role, sidelining key players at crucial times. Despite these challenges, the Pirates showed signs of progress in recent years. The development of young players, the improved performance of the bullpen, and a more aggressive approach on the basepaths were all positive signs. However, the lack of overall success ultimately led to the decision to move in a different direction.

Reasons for the Change

So, why the change now? While there's no single definitive answer, several factors likely played a role in the Pirates' decision to fire Derek Shelton.

• Lack of Playoff Appearances: In the end, professional sports is a results-driven business, and the Pirates simply didn't win enough games under Shelton's leadership. Despite some improvements in recent seasons, the team consistently finished near the bottom of the standings and failed to make the playoffs. For a team looking to take the next step and compete for a championship, this lack of success was ultimately unsustainable.
• Inconsistency on the Field: The Pirates struggled with consistency throughout Shelton's tenure. They would often show flashes of brilliance, stringing together a few wins against tough opponents, only to follow it up with a prolonged losing streak. This inconsistency made it difficult for fans to get excited about the team's prospects and raised questions about the team's ability to compete at a high level over the long haul.
• Pressure from Ownership and Fans: Let's face it, Pirates fans are passionate and deserve a winning team. As the losses piled up, the pressure on Shelton from both ownership and the fanbase intensified. In the end, the organization likely felt that a change was necessary to inject new energy and direction into the team.

Who's Next? Potential Candidates for Pirates Manager

Now for the big question: Who will be the next manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates? Several names have already been floated as potential candidates. Here are a few of the frontrunners:

1. Don Kelly: Currently the Pirates' bench coach, Kelly is a popular figure in the clubhouse and has a deep understanding of the team's players and culture. His familiarity with the organization could give him an edge in the hiring process. He's seen as a steady hand and a potential bridge to a more competitive future.
2. Joey Cora: Another internal candidate, Cora is the Pirates' third base coach and has a long history in baseball as a player and coach. He's known for his fiery personality and his ability to motivate players. Cora could bring a much-needed jolt of energy to the dugout.
3. Jeff Banister: Banister has previous managerial experience with the Texas Rangers, leading them to an American League West title in 2015. He's known for his player development skills and his ability to build a winning culture. Banister could bring a proven track record of success to the Pirates.
4. Other External Candidates: The Pirates could also look outside the organization for their next manager. Some potential external candidates include experienced major league coaches and up-and-coming minor league managers. The Pirates will likely cast a wide net in their search for the right fit.

What the New Manager Needs to Do

Whoever takes over as the next manager of the Pirates will face a significant challenge. The team is still in the midst of a rebuild, and there are several areas that need improvement. Here are a few key things the new manager will need to focus on:

• Continue Developing Young Talent: The Pirates' future success hinges on the development of their young players. The new manager will need to work closely with these players, providing them with the guidance and support they need to reach their full potential. This includes guys like Oneil Cruz, Ke'Bryan Hayes, and others who are expected to be core pieces of the team for years to come.
• Improve the Team's Offense: The Pirates' offense has struggled in recent years. The new manager will need to find ways to generate more runs, whether it's through improved hitting, more aggressive baserunning, or a more creative approach to lineup construction. Getting the offense firing on all cylinders will be crucial to the team's success.
• Foster a Winning Culture: Perhaps most importantly, the new manager will need to create a winning culture in the clubhouse. This means setting high expectations, holding players accountable, and instilling a sense of belief that the team can compete with anyone. A positive and competitive environment can make a huge difference in a team's performance.

Fan Reactions and Expectations

Predictably, the reaction from Pirates fans has been mixed. Some fans are happy to see a change, hoping that a new manager will bring a fresh perspective and a new approach to the team. Others are more skeptical, wondering if a new manager can truly make a difference given the team's limited resources and ongoing rebuilding process. Regardless of their initial reactions, all Pirates fans share one thing in common: they want to see their team win. The new manager will have a lot of pressure to turn things around and deliver a winning product on the field.

Final Thoughts

The firing of Derek Shelton marks the end of an era for the Pittsburgh Pirates. While his tenure was not without its challenges, Shelton deserves credit for his work in developing young players and maintaining a positive clubhouse environment. As the Pirates embark on a search for a new manager, they will be looking for someone who can build on the foundation that Shelton helped to create and lead the team to sustained success. The next chapter in Pirates baseball promises to be an interesting one, and fans will be eagerly watching to see who will be at the helm.

What do you guys think? Who should be the next Pirates manager? Let us know in the comments below!