Is Don Kelly Really to Blame for the Pirates’ Failed Season?

The Pirates entered 2026 with playoff expectations, and with those hopes essentially gone, Don Kelly has become a popular target for frustrated fans.

Alex Stumpf looks at what Kelly deserves blame for, what was outside of his control, and why firing him might not solve the Pirates’ bigger problems. Alex also discusses the Gregory Soto decision in Chicago, Carmen Mlodzinski coming through in a huge spot, the handling of Paul Skenes, a season full of injuries and why 2027 could become one of the most important years in franchise history.

OffBeat is presented by FanDuel.

Subscribe to Alex Stumpf’s Book-Rule Bucs Substack:
https://bookrulebucs.substack.com/

Download the North Shore Nine app:
https://northshorenine.com/get-app

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.