The Pittsburgh Pirates were considered a team to watch entering the season. Starting pitcher Paul Skenes has emerged as the sport’s face, and many consider him to be the league’s best pitcher.
Furthermore, other high-potential arms such as Jared Jones and Bubba Chandler are expected to join Skenes soon. The Pirates have the potential to have one of Major League Baseball’s best rotations for years to come.
Common sense dictates that now is the time to be aggressive and improve an offense that was one of the worst in the league last year.
However, that is not what happened this offseason, and an inept offense in 2025 has cost manager Derek Shelton his job. However, the firing has prompted some, including a top MLB insider, to wonder if Shelton’s departure is only the beginning.
Ken Rosenthal Believes Pirates Making a Change Could Be Only the Beginning
Ken Rosenthal, an MLB insider, discussed the breaking news on Foul Territory. When speaking with FT host and former MLB catcher A. J. Pierzynski, Rosenthal noted that Shelton’s dismissal occurred earlier than usual. However, it is not that early, and earlier firings have occurred.
Rosenthal also explained how this move was made to add a spark to a team with young talent. Jones started the season on the injured list, but Skenes has dominated as expected. However, All-Star starting pitcher Mitch Keller has an ERA of more than four. Another important All-Star, David Bednar, has struggled for the second year in a row and lost his closing duties.
The Pirates’ main issues, predictably, are on offense, with only center fielder Oneil Cruz having a great season. Bryan Reynolds, an expensive veteran outfielder, has already posted a -0.7 bWAR and a 76 OPS+ this season.
Third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes has continued to excel defensively, but his offense has not progressed as the team had hoped. In addition, former first-round pick Henry Davis has a.187 batting average in 359 major league at-bats.
Young talent exists on both sides of the ball. With few offseason moves, the organization clearly hoped that internal improvements and continued development of young players would propel the team into the playoffs. That has not occurred, and the Pirates will turn to Don Kelly in the hopes of sparking something.
Rosenthal Also Listed Two Other Managers to Watch
When speaking with FT, Rosenthal suggested that Minnesota Twins manager Rocco Baldelli and Baltimore Orioles manager Brandon Hyde could face trouble. Baldelli was already on the hot seat after the Twins collapsed and missed the playoffs last year.
However, Rosenthal noted that Minnesota has begun to play better (and become healthier) following a difficult start to the season. This rebound may cool his seat and save Baldelli at least for the season.
However, Hyde’s seat remains as hot as ever. The Orioles were a popular World Series pick coming out of spring training, despite a difficult second half in 2024 and a first-round playoff exit. That funk has persisted this season, as Baltimore has already fallen to the bottom of the AL East with a 13-23 record.
Rosenthal stated that Baltimore’s biggest issue has been starting pitching (as many expected). If they can fix that, which is largely the responsibility of the front office, the Orioles could rebound in the same way that the Twins did. If so, Hyde may have a different fate than Shelton.
