Insider suggests reunion with former Pirates catcher on Don Kelly's coaching staff

Pittsburgh Pirates manager Don Kelly still has some work to do to fill the holes on his coaching staff, not the least of which are at bench coach and third base coach.

There are a number of candidates who would make sense for the Pirates, and Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette floated the idea of a potential reunion with a familiar name: former Pirates catcher Francisco Cervelli.

Cervelli played for the Pirates from 2015-18 and amassed 8.8 WAR. In many ways, he was the heartbeat of those post-McCutchen playoff teams in Pittsburgh. Pirates fans would almost universally light up at the idea of Cervelli joining Kelly’s coaching staff, even if Mackey’s “it’s a stretch” caveat is realistic.

The emotional connection runs deep, and the symbolism of such a hire would resonate far beyond the dugout.

Former Pirates catcher Francisco Cervelli could be a candidate for Don Kelly's coaching staff

Fans remember Cervelli for his fire, his infectious personality and the way he wore his emotions on his sleeve. In a franchise often criticized for its lack of emotion and connection to fans (especially under Bob Nutting's ownership), Cervelli represents everything that’s human about baseball in Pittsburgh: pride, passion and authenticity. If he returned as a coach, especially under a relatable players’ manager like Kelly, fans would see it as a restoration of soul – someone who “gets it” and who cares in a way fans can feel.

For a fan base that’s often alienated by the front office’s cold, analytical tone, a Cervelli reunion would feel personal – a gesture of reconnection. It would tell fans that this organization still values the people who made Pittsburgh baseball feel alive. That’s powerful, especially after years of turnover and detachment.

The idea isn’t just sentimental, either. Cervelli has quietly built real coaching credibility since he retired from playing. As a catching coach for the San Diego Padres in 2022, he worked with multiple All-Star caliber backstops. He will also serve as manager of Team Italy in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.

Those credentials show that Cervelli is not just a former fan favorite cashing in on nostalgia; he’s developing into a serious baseball mind with global experience. For fans still haunted by years of staff turnover and lack of direction, Cervelli would represent a bridge between eras – a guy with both Pittsburgh roots and modern expertise.

Pirates fans have always valued the catcher’s mindset. Jason Kendall, Russell Martin and Cervelli himself all became symbolic leaders beyond their stat lines. Cervelli’s deep understanding of game-calling, pitcher psychology and clubhouse balance makes him a natural fit for a team built around young arms like Paul Skenes and Bubba Chandler.

Still, Pirates fans are nothing if not self-aware. They know Mackey is right that it’s “a stretch.” Cervelli’s WBC commitments, his international aspirations and his rising profile might make Pittsburgh just one of many options. But that won’t stop fans from dreaming, or from rooting hard for the possibility that someone with his energy, love for the city and emotional intelligence comes home.