IT IS DONE: Pittsburgh pirates Reacts in Shock as Coach Don Kelly makes Surprising statement Announcing that Fielder, Andrew McCutchen has been made the….see more

📰 Pittsburgh Pirates in Shock as Don Kelly Appoints Andrew McCutchen and Fielder as Team Captains

In a move that has stunned the clubhouse and fanbase alike, interim manager Don Kelly has named Andrew McCutchen and a promising young first baseman—referred to here only as “Fielder”—as the Pittsburgh Pirates’ inaugural team captains.

Kelly, elevated from bench coach on May 8 after the dismissal of Derek Shelton, announced the decision in a candid press conference at PNC Park. “We need leadership defined by consistency, heart, grit,” he said. “These two embody that—from Andrew’s years of excellence to Fielder’s quiet work ethic, it’s time we formalize their roles.”

The pair will officially wear the captain’s “C” on their jerseys, marking a historic first for the Pirates, who have never used designated captains in the modern era.

McCutchen, a cornerstone of Pittsburgh’s franchise, signed a one‑year, $5 million contract in December 2024 and has recently overtaken Roberto Clemente on the team’s all‑time home run list—now 241 bombs deep. Kelly praised his veteran as “a model of professionalism, both on and off the field.”

On the other hand, Fielder—a rising talent in the minors—has impressed with his maturity and clutch performances during several first‑base starts earlier this season. “He shows poise beyond his years,” Kelly noted. “We’re officially passing torch leadership down.”

Fans and media alike have reacted with wide-eyed surprise, calling the announcement “bold” and “refreshing.” Some veteran voices believe the move will cement clubhouse unity during this rebuilding-year grind. The Pirates currently sit at the bottom of the NL Central, but Kelly believes naming official captains can stabilize the locker room.

📰 “We’re All-in”—Don Kelly’s Game-Changing Statement Shakes Up Pirates Loyalty

PITTSBURGH, July 12, 2025 – It was a phrase that echoed through PNC Park Friday morning: “We’re all-in.” Those three words from interim manager Don Kelly drew gasps when he revealed he’d designated Andrew McCutchen and first-base prospect Fielder as co-captains of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Kelly explained the move stemmed from his desire to clamp down on complacency. “It’s easy to coast in this league,” he admitted. “You need voices in that dugout louder than the weight of this rebuilding year.”

McCutchen, 37, is enjoying a renaissance season. He recently recorded his 2,200th career hit—one of baseball’s rare milestones—and has moved into third on the Pirates’ all-time home run list . Kelly believes his tenure and accountability make him a natural bridge between players and staff.

Fielder, conversely, represents the future. Though young, his uncanny instinct and steady demeanor have earned Kelly’s trust. “He’s like a sponge—absorbs everything,” said Kelly. “The kids look to him.”

Kelly was candid about the pressure: “Naming captains in this town isn’t symbolic—it’s a contract. They’re guarantors of effort, resilience and standards.”

The response? A charged clubhouse and fans buzzing with optimism. Many see the move as Kelly’s declaration that accountability isn’t optional—whether you’re the vet drawing cheers or the rookie chasing an opportunity.

Context & Backstory:

• Kelly became manager on May 8, following a 12–26 start under Derek Shelton
• He debuted spectacularly, guiding the Bucs to a 3–2 win over Atlanta on May 9—earning his first managerial victory
• Andrew McCutchen re‑signed in December and has been on fire this season: passing Clemente in homers (241), logging his 2,200th career hit, and hitting several key homers
• Kelly has publicly emphasized accountability before—chiding players like Oneil Cruz for lack of effort, yet backing them up when they responded