Overview
- The team confirmed Kelly’s extension without disclosing terms after he went 59-65 following Derek Shelton’s May firing, finishing 71-91 overall.
- Performance improved under Kelly with seven series sweeps, a 3.59 staff ERA and .988 fielding percentage since May 9, and a 37-25 mark at PNC Park.
- Owner Bob Nutting praised Kelly but called the season unacceptable and demanded better results, while GM Ben Cherington lauded Kelly’s communication and leadership.
- An anemic offense produced an MLB-low 117 home runs with bottom-tier batting and on-base figures, extending the club’s postseason drought to a decade.
- Cherington said he has assurance he will remain GM with a deal through 2027 as reports peg payroll around $87 million next year, fueling fan frustration and pointing to trades and the farm system for upgrades.