The Bucco Beat

This file photo from Dec. 4, 2019 shows Derek Shelton as he takes questions during a news conference where he was introduced as the new manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball team in Pittsburgh. The Pirates will have a fresh look in 2020, from their new alternate road uniforms to a totally overhauled front office. Most of the faces on the field, however, haven’t changed much from the group that finished last in the NL Central. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic, File) [ KEITH SRAKOCIC | AP ]

As the manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates, Derek Shelton faces a pivotal moment in his career. The year 2024 holds immense significance for Shelton, presenting an opportunity for him to prove his leadership skills and secure his future with the team. In this article, we will discuss the reasons why 2024 is a make-or-break year for Derek Shelton and the potential consequences that hang in the balance.

On November 27th 2019, Derek Shelton was introduced as the new manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Fans thought that the acquisition of someone right in the mix with Rays, a World Series caliber team, that the team would be elevated under the leadership of Shelton. However, quite the opposite would go on to occur. Right after Shelton was named manager, a fire sale of the Pittsburgh Pirates roster began. This marked the start of dark times that would follow for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

In 2020, the MLB was forced to play a shortened season of 60 games due to the global pandemic. The Pirates finished with a record of 19-41. The competition to be the worst team in the MLB was not close, the Pirates cemented themselves as dead last in the MLB. In Shelton’s first season as manager, the Pirates roster did not have much talent to construct a winning team. Seemingly, the only bright spot from the 2020 season was the September arrival of Ke’Bryan Hayes. The Pirates easily were seated to attain the #1 overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft. With that pick, Henry Davis was selected as the #1 overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft.

The following year for the Bucs did not have sunshine on the other side. In Shelton’s first full season as manager, he brought the Pirates to a 61-101 record. With yet again, a roster not constructed to contend. 2021 was highlighted by a few breakout seasons for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Ke’Bryan Hayes, Bryan Reynolds, and Adam Frazier were by far the best players on the 2021 roster. Of course in the nature of the Pirates, they traded Adam Frazier for a package that would include the Pirates starting center fielder, Jack Suwinski.

2022 seemed to bring a spark to the team it desperately needed. Despite their record not reflecting a change finishing 62-100, there were the flashes that the Pirates could emerge soon in the playoff conversation. We were seated for Pirates closer, David Bednar, who had a breakout season. We also saw the arrival of two stars in the making, Jack Suwinski and Oneil Cruz. Shelton’s third season still had a poorly constructed roster, but the flashes of what can be came in 2022. The Pirates were able to capture star pitcher, Paul Skenes, with the #1 overall pick due to their 62-100 record in the 2023 MLB Draft.

2023 was a season filled of drastic ups and defeating downs. Signing Andrew McCutchen in January had fans seated for a reunion with the most beloved player from the Pirates in this generation. The expectations were beginning to rise in Pittsburgh. From a stellar month of April to the darkest of times in May, June, and July, a mix of emotions were running wild throughout the entire 2023 season. In April the Pirates went finished the month with a NL leading record of 20-8. The Pirates would suffer the season-long loss of star shortstop, Oneil Cruz, due to a freak injury only a week into the season. Fans were finally believing that after many dark years, things were finally beginning to click. After the Pirates inspiring month of April, the Pirates extended Derek Shelton’s contract to manage the Pirates for the foreseeable future. In the following months, the Pirates would go on to regress back to the team that the fans had grown old with. Fans were devastated, and many crawled right back into the displeasure they’ve suffered since the acquisition of Derek Shelton. 2023 contained many rookie debuts for the Pittsburgh Pirates. We saw #1 overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft Henry Davis, highly anticipated catcher Endy Rodriguez, Nick Gonzales, Jared Triolo, and Carmen Mlodzinski. The Pirates future was finally arriving. Bryan Reynolds was signed to a franchise record setting 8-year contract extension. The entire bullpen in 2023 took a huge step forward. Ke’Bryan Hayes finally got a Gold Glove, and had a great second half at the dish. Overall, the Pirates still finished below .500 but this past season was major 14-win improvement. The Pirates finished in 4th place with a record of 76-86.

The year 2024 represents a defining moment for Derek Shelton’s career with the Pittsburgh Pirates. The team’s performance, player development, and his managerial skills will be under scrutiny. It is a make-or-break year where success could solidify Shelton’s position and pave the way for a hopeful future, while failure may result in significant ramifications. As the upcoming season approaches, all eyes will be on Shelton, as he prepares to navigate the challenges in his path and prove his worth as the Pirates’ manager.