Report: Former Pirates Manager Derek Shelton Among Finalists For New Job

Former Pittsburgh Pirates manager Derek Shelton remains in the running for a quick return to an MLB dugout.

The Athletic’s Dan Hayes and Brittany Ghiroli identified Shelton as one of four finalists for the Minnesota Twins’ managerial search. The Twins are reportedly also considering former Seattle Mariners manager Scott Servais, New York Yankees hitting coach James Rowson and Chicago Cubs bench coach Ryan Flaherty.

Hired in 2020, Shelton went 306-440 as Pittsburgh’s manager. The Pirates fired him amid a 12-26 start to the 2025 campaign.

Pittsburgh awarded interim manager Don Kelly a contract extension after going 59-65 following the managerial move. The former infielder had spent Shelton’s entire Pirates stint as a bench coach.

The Twins are familiar with Shelton, who served as a bench coach in 2018 and 2019. They won 101 games under first-year manager Rocco Baldelli in 2019, and Shelton parlayed that success to replace Clint Hurdle in Pittsburgh.

Minnesota fired Baldelli after going 70-92 in 2025. He led the Twins to three American League Central titles in seven seasons, but they won just three playoff games (all in 2023) during his tenure.

Whoever lands the Twins job will inherit a roster with some intriguing players. Byron Buxton flashed MVP upside with 35 home runs and 24 stolen bases in 126 games this season, his most since 2017, and rookie Luke Keaschall arrived in style to bat .302/.382/.445.

Yet the Twins must rebuild their bullpen after trading star relief pitchers Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax before the trade deadline. Although they kept Joe Ryan, trade speculation regarding the right-handed ace could resurface this offseason.

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