What do you say – can the Pittsburgh Pirates turn the season around by just terminating their longtime manager? Well, relieving Derek Shelton from his duties was something Bob Nutting had to do with a “sense of urgency.” However, the Pirates’ 12-26 record fall cannot be fixed by firing Shelton. If anything, it’s just a superficial fix to the Pirates’ deeper organizational problems.
The decision was locked in right after the Pirates were swept in a three-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals. Following the defeat, the Pirates announced they had parted ways with Shelton. To fill in his shoes, bench coach Don Kelly will be taking over on an interim basis. Post the shocking move, Nutting stated, “Derek is a good man who did a lot for the Pirates and Pittsburgh, but it was time for a change.”
As per Nutting, the team needs to get back on track after a “frustrating” start to this season. Sure, it’s true that under Shelton, the Pirates haven’t finished off better than the 4th position in the NL Central. Not to forget, on three occasions, they ended up securing the last place.
Over the last seven seasons, the Pirates have spent about $200 million less in payroll than the Milwaukee Brewers.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) May 8, 2025
However, if you would like a peek beneath the surface, there is a bigger factor in play. And no, it can’t be fixed by just a managerial switch. It will stun you to know that the Pirates have spent $200 million less on payroll than the Milwaukee Brewers over the past seven seasons.
So, behind the scenes, it’s actually Nutting’s priorities that never center around investing in players’ payroll. Yes, that’s exactly the real culprit behind the Pirates’ seven-game losing streak and the overall downfall.
See, it’s pretty clear that Nutting never fails to prioritize profit margins over investing in players’ payroll. It’s shocking that the Brewers, the Pirates’ divisional rival, have spent more on their players compared to them. So, if Nutting doesn’t do the needful about the payroll, it’s not far-fetched that the Pirates can lose their star players.
When it comes to their 22-year-old pitcher, Paul Skenes, the Pirates will simply have to match his worth if they want to keep him. If they fail, given Nutting’s unwillingness to invest in talent, we might see Skenes and other star players in a different uniform.
Now, the internet has taken over the shocking $200 million stat. Naturally, the Pirates’ nation has blamed Nutting for his latest move.
Pirates’ fans drop honest opinions over Shelton’s exit
Just when the Pirates announced Derek Shelton’s relief from his managerial duties, fans voiced a collective reaction. They simply didn’t buy that Shelton could be the problem behind the Pirates’ ongoing rough stretch. Instead, they believe it’s Nutting and his underinvestment that is the real issue.
It hasn’t been a secret that the Pirates stand among the lowest payrolls in the league. It seemed like Nutting didn’t acknowledge it enough and remained deluded that the manager could be a problem. “How can you fire someone with the squad he has? The owner doesn’t spend any money to improve the team one bit.” Over parts of the last 6 seasons as a Pirates’ manager, 54-year-old Shelton had a record of 306-440. Fans pointed out that it’s not Shelton; it’s Nutting who doesn’t care about improving the team dynamics.
The opinions didn’t just come from the Pirates’ nation; the ones who naturally keep a close tab on teams also shared their stance. “Not a Pirates fan, so no bias here. Your owners are the problem. Spend some money…they have it. But they pocket all that revenue share from the luxury tax and then blame the manager. No one can win with an AAA roster. Fans should stop thinking they invest in the team.” It’s not like the Pirates lack funds; it’s simply Nutting’s unwillingness to invest at the right place. Back in February this year, a reputed media outlet shared an article slamming Nutting for the Pirates’ consistent season losses and his denial of spending on free agency trades and players’ payroll. The Pirates do receive revenue share from MLB’s luxury tax redistribution, so it’s not like they aren’t positioned to invest in players.
Then there were the ones who didn’t want to slam the team’s decision but wanted to back up Derek Shelton. “No offense, Admin, but Derek Shelton isn’t the reason your team sucks. Respectfully.” Of course, the manager can do his best, but he cannot be out-and-out responsible for the players’ on-field performance.
Fans didn’t hold back with their sarcastic jabs, either! “Can Bob Nutting now relieve himself of his duties?” After all, the real culprit behind the Pirates’ potential slump has nothing to do with the manager; it’s Nutting, who has owned the team since 2007 and is one of the richest owners in the league. Despite that, he hasn’t invested enough in the players. And now, fans are pointing out that as Shelton is no more a part of the team, Nutting can also do the same with himself.
After a seven-game losing streak, fans were downright disappointed in the team. They don’t see how it’s Shelton’s fault. “Your teams sucks and it’s the manager’s fault?!?!?!? Pathetic.” It’s straightaway impossible for Shelton to do anything about the Pirates’ limited payroll. So, it’s baffling—the idea of Shelton being fired post the team’s slump.
The fans didn’t leave any stone unturned in exposing Nutting’s poor decision by firing Shelton. Do you think that Don Kelly will bring the change that Nutting is looking for, and letting go of Shelton was a good decision?
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