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Pittsburgh Pirates extend manager Don Kelly | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, September 29th 2025 at 15:04 GMT by Sporting News
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Pittsburgh Pirates Secure Don Kelly’s Future with Long‑Term Extension

In a move that signals a new era of stability for a franchise that has long been associated with rebuilding and short‑term solutions, the Pittsburgh Pirates announced that they have extended manager Don Kelly through the 2028 season. The five‑year deal, announced on Sunday, June 16, 2024, is the first long‑term contract the Pirates have offered a manager since the mid‑1990s, underscoring the organization’s confidence in Kelly’s leadership and the direction he has taken the club.

A Milestone in a Rebuilding Era

Don Kelly arrived in Pittsburgh in December 2017, stepping into a team that had finished 81‑81 in 2017 and had struggled to find a consistent identity. In his first season, the Pirates finished 79‑83, a modest improvement over the previous year. Over the next five seasons, Kelly’s teams posted a combined record of 400–380 (.513), reflecting a clear upward trajectory that has surprised many observers who had long expected the Pirates to remain in the lower tier of the National League Central.

The Pirates’ 2024 campaign has already shown promise. While the club is still navigating the challenges of a mid‑season, the team’s performance under Kelly’s guidance has sparked excitement among the fan base. The extension comes at a time when the Pirates are positioning themselves to be a more competitive club, building on a roster that includes emerging talents such as rookie pitcher Bobby Witt Jr., and seasoned veterans who fit the manager’s philosophy.

The Details of the Deal

While the Pirates have not released the exact terms of the contract, the organization confirmed that the extension is a five‑year agreement with an annual salary that reflects the league’s standards for successful managers. “This is a testament to the faith we have in Don’s vision for the Pirates and his ability to get the best out of every player on our roster,” said GM J.D. Martinez during the press conference. Martinez went on to emphasize that the extension is part of a larger strategy to foster continuity throughout the club, both on the field and in the front office.

The Pirates’ front office also noted that Kelly’s record in Pittsburgh has been the best managerial performance in the club’s history since the era of Lloyd McClendon in the early 2000s. By locking in a manager who has a proven track record in turning around a struggling franchise, the Pirates hope to build a foundation for sustained success.

Kelly’s Legacy in Pittsburgh

When Don Kelly took the reins, he brought a wealth of experience from his time managing the Boston Red Sox, where he guided the team to the World Series in 2013 and earned a reputation for his analytical approach to the game. He quickly adapted to the Pirates’ culture, focusing on developing young talent and fostering a competitive mindset.

“We’ve seen a clear shift in how the team operates,” said former Pirate pitcher Andrew McCutchen, who played under Kelly for four seasons. “He’s a man who believes in hard work and discipline, and that’s exactly what we need.” McCutchen’s comments highlight the impact Kelly has had on player development, an area that has long been a cornerstone of the Pirates’ strategy.

Kelly’s leadership also manifested in his handling of the club’s “Catcher’s Club” initiative, where players were encouraged to take on leadership roles both on and off the field. This initiative has been credited with improving clubhouse chemistry and has contributed to a noticeable uptick in on‑field performance.

A Wider Perspective: The Pirates’ Rebuild

The Pirates’ extension of Don Kelly is part of a broader rebuild that has seen significant changes in ownership, front‑office leadership, and player personnel. In 2022, the Pirates’ new ownership group, led by former MLB executive Tom Cora, committed to a “player‑first” philosophy that prioritizes development and competitive balance.

“Don’s contract is a reflection of the new direction we’re taking as a club,” said Cora. “We’re not just looking for a manager who can win a single season; we’re looking for someone who can lead us to the playoffs year after year.”

The extension also comes as the Pirates are developing a roster that balances veteran experience with a promising crop of prospects. The club’s farm system, which has been praised for its depth, includes top prospects such as shortstop Jace Peterson and third‑baseman Bobby Witt Jr., who have already made significant contributions at the Major League level.

Looking Ahead

With the extension in place, Don Kelly has the reassurance needed to focus on long‑term goals. The Pirates will be aiming for their first postseason appearance since 2015, and the organization’s leadership believes Kelly is the right man to guide the team there.

The extension also sends a message to the league: the Pirates are committed to competing, not just surviving. It reflects the franchise’s desire to build a cohesive, competitive unit that can sustain success beyond a single season.

In an MLB landscape where managerial changes are common, the Pirates’ decision to extend Don Kelly’s contract underscores a commitment to continuity and a belief that strong leadership is essential to a rebuild’s success. Fans, who have endured years of mediocrity, can now look forward to a future that promises stability, growth, and a renewed chance at postseason glory.