Just when fans thought the turbulence had peaked, the Pittsburgh Pirates found a way to stir the pot a little more. In a season already packed with underachievement and eyebrow-raising decisions, the front office and Bob Nutting seem determined to keep swinging—just not at baseballs. This latest move isn’t just bold—it’s borderline theatrical, and it might be the only thing hitting harder than their opponents.

The Pirates have not had anything go their way this season. From the manager to the players, they are falling short. They needed to make some changes, and the first change they made was letting go of manager Derek Shelton. Now they have let go of their planning coach.

The news was reported by Jon Heyman on his X. He said, “Sources: Pirates also let go game planning coach Radley Haddad.” As of now, the news is not official, but when Heyman says it is happening, it is happening. Not just because of that, looking at the season the Pirates are having, people saw this coming.

There have been struggles all around the team, as already pointed out. Their offense is basically non-existent, ranking 29th in runs scored. They’ve been shut out seven times and have managed only 26 home runs, the fewest in MLB. While Paul Skenes has been on fire, the overall pitching staff has underperformed, allowing 195 runs with an ERA of 5.47, contributing to the team’s low standings.

Against the Cardinals, the Pirates ran wild into outs, not glory. Strategy? More like chaos. Their base paths looked like blindfolded sprints, not planned aggression. It was a painful theater. Then came the lefty puzzle—never solved, just repeated. Same batters, same strikeouts. No lineup tweaks, no counter. Just stubborn swings and predictable misery. Planning? That ship never sailed.

When your offense disappears, your pitching implodes, and even your planning coach gets the axe, it’s not a slump—it’s a meltdown. The Pirates aren’t just sinking; they’re drilling holes in their own ship. Firing Shelton and now Haddad isn’t strategy—it’s damage control. At this rate, the only plan left is to pray Skenes doesn’t ask for a trade.

Pirates turn to former Tiger Don Kelly after firing Derek Shelton

When you’re 12-26 and clinging to the bottom of the NL Central like it’s a tradition, bold choices are no longer optional—they’re overdue. So, the Pirates did what any self-respecting struggling franchise might: they reached deep into baseball’s bag of forgotten utility knives and pulled out a name from Motown’s past. Desperation? Maybe. Inspired gamble? Time will tell. But it’s certainly not boring.

Don Kelly is back, but as the manager for the Pirates. Once a reliable utility man, he’s now tasked with steering a struggling club from the NL Central basement. His gritty playing style mirrors the kind of culture Pittsburgh desperately needs. With the Pirates sitting at 12-26, Kelly’s leadership will be tested immediately.

As a former utility player, Kelly knows how to maximize talent in unexpected ways. His sharp baseball IQ and experience at nearly every position could improve in-game decisions and player development. He’s worked under respected managers and seen playoff pressure firsthand. That background can help him develop winning habits within a struggling clubhouse hungry for direction.

Kelly also brings a fresh voice to a team that’s lacked energy. He connects well with young players, having recently climbed the coaching ranks himself. His time with contenders like the Houston Astros gives him insight into building a winning culture. If he can inspire belief and discipline, the Pirates could finally begin the long climb back to relevance.

Whether Kelly is the spark or just another matchstick tossed on a damp pile remains to be seen. But one thing’s clear: the Pirates didn’t just need a manager—they needed a pulse. If Don Kelly can turn hustle and heart into wins, Pittsburgh might finally stop rehearsing for next season and start performing in this one.