Oscar Marin. Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

Pirates make confusing decision to fire most successful coach

By Mike J. Asti | Last updated Sep 30, 2025 11:10 PM ET

Despite a miserable 2025 season overall, the Pittsburgh Pirates still enjoyed one big bright spot. Paul Skenes had arguably the best season for a pitcher in franchise history, and the rest of the pitching staff excelled as well.

However, none of that seems to matter. On Tuesday, the Pirates made the decision to part ways with pitching coach Oscar Marin, leaving fans confused.

In 2025, the Pirates pitchers collectively posted a 3.75 ERA as a group, which ranked No. 7 in all of MLB. Skenes led the rotation with a 1.97 ERA, 216 strikeouts and a 0.948 WHIP.

Pirates didn't provide Paul Skenes, pitchers with run support

But when looking for reasons why the Pirates finished in last place in the National League Central with a 71-91 record, look no further than why Skenes only managed to win 10 games.

Paul Skenes is set to win the Cy Young and had arguably the best season for a pitcher in franchise history.

The overall pitching staff finished in the top 10 in team ERA.

So THE PIRATES FIRE THE PITCHING COACH?! https://t.co/h5tNxYGAm6
— Mike J. Asti (@MikeAsti11) September 30, 2025

Skenes’ statistics are worthy of starting the All-Star Game and being considered one of the top pitchers in baseball. But unfortunately for Skenes, he didn’t receive enough run support to post better than his 10-10 personal record.

Skenes wasn’t the only Pirates pitcher to be robbed of the necessary run support either. Pittsburgh only hit .231, which ranked 28th out of 30 teams. Even worse than the team batting average, Pittsburgh’s on-base percentage ended up an extremely weak .305 and hit just 117 home runs, an MLB worst.

Martin’s dismissal came after Don Kelly, who replaced Derek Shelton in May, earned an extension to remain as manager and general manager Ben Cherington was also retained.

And for a fitting sense of irony, their hitting coach will continue on as well. Only time will tell if the Pirates can turn things around, but firing the most successful coach on the team becomes the latest example of why people don’t trust that the franchise has what it takes to win.

Mike J. Asti

Mike Asti is an experienced media personality and journalist with a vast resume and skillset, most notably from time with TribLIVE Radio and WPXI-TV. Asti now serves as the Managing Editor of WV Sports Now, where he leads the coverage of WVU sports. He has also covered the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and other teams within the Pittsburgh market

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