Baseball is a tough business with constant changes, especially during a 162-game season. Teams that struggle to make the postseason often face significant shake-ups.
On Monday, the Cincinnati Reds dismissed manager David Bell after six seasons. Currently, the Reds hold a 76-81 record and sit fourth in the NL Central. The decision followed a 2-0 shutout loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates, with Paul Skenes earning his 11th career win after throwing five scoreless innings.
Bell’s tenure with the Reds ended with a 409-456 record, managing only one playoff appearance in 2020 during a shortened 60-game season, where they were swept by the Atlanta Braves. Despite signing a contract extension last season through 2026, the Reds chose to revamp their approach and focus on their young talent.
Could a similar fate await Pittsburgh’s manager, Derek Shelton? He has one of the lowest winning percentages among active managers at 291-411 (.415) and has never had a winning season or reached the playoffs.
However, it’s important to consider that during the 2021 and 2022 seasons, the Pirates were not aiming for competitiveness but rather focused on developing young players and securing high draft picks, which has since brought talents like Henry Davis, Termarr Johnson, Paul Skenes, and Jared Jones.
While Shelton’s past records raise concerns, the level of talent on the team has improved recently. The Pirates finished the 2023 season at 76-86, showing a 14-game improvement. It’s uncertain how long Shelton’s contract extends after he signed an extension last April, and fans deserve clarity on that.
The situation isn’t satisfactory, especially with the roster’s potential. If Shelton remains for the 2025 season, he would become one of the longest-serving managers in Pirates history.
Cincinnati’s decision to part ways with Bell could foreshadow Shelton’s future, but it’s unclear what will happen. Shelton is respected and well-liked, but there are questions about whether his approach has become stale.
The Pirates need to determine if Shelton can lead the team to at least an 82-win season and a playoff berth in 2025.
Cincinnati’s move won’t directly influence Pittsburgh’s decision regarding Shelton, who will be evaluated based on the team’s performance in the coming week.
This moment is crucial for the franchise as they look to maximize the talents of players like Skenes, Jones, Mitch Keller, Oneil Cruz, and Bryan Reynolds.
General manager Ben Cherington has stated he expects Shelton to return in 2025, but the real test will come in October when decisions are finalized. The future of the Pirates hangs in the balance, and it’s likely that someone will be disappointed.
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