Cherington Says Derek Shelton Will Return as Pirates’ Manager in 2023

Derek Shelton will return for a fourth season as the Pittsburgh Pirates’ manager in 2023.

General manager Ben Cherington confirmed Friday that Shelton is under contract for next year. Cherington also said he has no thoughts of making a change.

“I love working with Shelty and his staff,” Cherington said. “They work their tails off. They care so much about making things better. He’s been consistently open to any piece of feedback from me and hopefully I’ve been consistently open to any piece of feedback from him.

“I’m so happy with the level of effort he’s given to help us get better. I’m looking forward to this group benefitting from the fruits of his labor.”

The Pirates are 46-72 and in line for a fourth consecutive last-place finish in the National League Central going into Friday night’s game against the Cincinnati Reds at PNC Park.

Shelton has compiled a 126-214 record in three seasons, good for a .371 winning percentage.

The Pirates went 19-41 in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season after Shelton replaced Clint Hurdle. Last season, they finished 61-101. They are on pace to have a final record of 63-99 this year.