Manager Derek Shelton, backed by the power of a front office whose biggest free agent acquisition in five-plus years was one year and 0.4 wins against replacement (WAR) from reliever Aroldis Chapman, was fired in the space between the college of cardinals making its papal decision and the announcement of who it would be.

When the Pittsburgh Pirates named Derek Shelton their manager in 2019, he was one of nine candidates they interviewed. “Shelty,” as he was known to Pirates personnel and broadcasters, was fired last Thursday after his Pirates got off to a disappointing 12-26 start.

The group text from general manager Ben Cherington to the players came Thursday morning: Derek Shelton was being let go as the Pirates’ manager. As Paul Skenes would say Friday, “Unfortunately, I wasn’t shocked.

The Pirates fired manager Derek Shelton yesterday. Does it make sense for teams to fire the manager mid-season? Vote now in MLBTR's latest poll!

Derek Shelton's unexpected departure as Pittsburgh Pirates manager has ignited scrutiny of the team's front office. Ken Rosenthal criticized the Pirat

Today on The Moonshot, our team discusses the MLB manager hot seat, some Luis Robert Jr. trade rumors, and a notebook from insider Robert Murray.