3 familiar faces who'd make great long-term Pirates managers if Don Kelly falters

With Derek Shelton officially gone, the Pirates may need to consider long-term options at manager if Don Kelly does not work out. Luckily, they won't need to look very far as some of Pittsburgh's former players make good potential fits.

These three players each have made an impact with the Pirates in their careers and have qualities that make them managerial candidates.

Familiar faces who'd make great long-term Pirates managers after Shelton dismissal

Jason Kendall

Jason Kendall is a fan favorite as one of the best players in Pirates' history. He played for a few teams after Pittsburgh, but he considers this city to be home. He's also tried to stay connected with the organization since retiring, serving as a minor league mentor a few years ago. Not to mention, he delivered high praise for this year's team.

"Willie Stargell would always come up and pop me in the side before games," stated Kendall via an article from the Athletic. "Willie told me — and it might sound corny, but it’s true — he’d say, 'You’ll win a championship here. If you don’t do it as a player, come back and win it in some other (role).' That always stuck with me because Willie was Pittsburgh baseball."

Kendall living up to what Stargell told him would be an incredible turn of events for a starved Pirates fanbase.

Francisco Cervelli

Francisco Cervelli may not have as deep of a history with the Pirates as Kendall, but he may be a solid option as the skipper. He will get his first taste of manager this winter as he was tabbed to lead Team Italy in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

If all goes well for him in the WBC, perhaps that opens new doors for him in MLB. He spent five years in Pittsburgh after seven with the Yankees. A handful of managers were former catchers, and the Pirates could have two such candidates if Cervelli enters the fold.

John Wehner

And last but not least is John Wehner, a former player who has been around the Pirates' broadcast team since around 2016. He is a Pittsburgh native and is very respected in the organization. Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette has advocated for him to join the coaching staff in some way.

“I’ve always had a passion to manage,” said Wehner in an article from the Pittsburgh Post Gazette in 2019. “I feel I know the game. I feel I can manage the game as well as the people involved, whether that be players or coaches or anyone else I’d have to manage. I feel that I’m very capable and qualified. I just don’t have the on-field experience that most teams covet.”

These former players are very well respected by this fanbase and could very well be options as long-term managers for the Pirates. While Kelly could work out, these three familiar faces should remain in consideration as insurance.