On Tuesday afternoon, Pittsburgh Pirates GM Ben Cherington announced that he fully expects manager Derek Shelton to return in 2025.

“I think there’s a lot to the job I believe he does really, really well, and I also believe he works his tail off to continue to improve in a number of ways,” Cherington said. “Seeing that, I believe he’s the right person to manage this team in 2025, so I fully expect that will happen.”

In Shelton’s five seasons with the Pirates, the team’s winning percentage has improved despite never finishing in the top three of the NL Central.

2024 started strong for the Pirates but is quickly dwindling downhill as Pittsburgh could be heading for their ninth straight losing season.

“I think I’ll be the first one to tell you that there are still things I need to be better at, we need to be better at and we need to continue to improve. But the fact that Ben said that is very important to me” Shelton said.

Despite the struggles, 2024 has seen the Pirates finally start to watch some of their young core come to fruition.

Young starters Paul Skenes, and Jarred Jones will be one of baseball’s best 1-2 punches for years to come.

Offensively, Bryan Reynolds and Oneil Cruz anchor a lineup that could use some additions this offseason.

The 2024/2025 offseason will be a big one for the Pirates as they look to find some talent that they can add to their young core and start to turn the page.

As for Derek Shelton, although he is likely not the most popular man in Steel City, he’s done a pretty good job with the cards that he has been dealt.

When a manager improves the team’s record in each season he is at the helm, there is no reason to let him go.

Shelton will likely enter 2025 with his seat heating up but for now, there is no reason to let him walk just yet.

If the Pirates can have a big offseason, Pittsburgh could be right in the thick of things in the NL Central when 2025 rolls around.