Pirates remove interim tag from manager Don Kelly

Field Level Media|published: Mon 29th September, 13:22 2025

Sep 7, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates manager Don Kelly (12) looks on from the dugout against the Milwaukee Brewers during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

The Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday extended the contract of manager Don Kelly, who took over on an interim basis in May after Derek Shelton was fired.

The club did not reveal terms of the new agreement.

The Pirates started the season 12-26, then went 59-65 under Kelly, starting with his managerial debut on May 9.

"I'm proud to continue leading the Pirates," Kelly said in a release. "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 swept seven series under Kelly, including one in June against the National League East champion Philadelphia Phillies and another in September against the NL West champion Los Angeles Dodgers.

"Donnie has earned the respect of the players, front office, and our fans -- and he has certainly earned mine," Pirates chairman Bob Nutting said. "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."

Kelly, 45, is a Pittsburgh native who made his major league debut as a player with his hometown club in 2007. He also played with the Detroit Tigers (2009-14) and Miami Marlins (2015-16), batting .230 with 23 home runs and 98 RBIs in 584 games.

--Field Level Media

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