The Pittsburgh Pirates and manager Don Kelly have unveiled their coaching staff for the 2026 season, introducing five new members to the group. Three of the newcomers were previously reported, while the additions aim to bring fresh perspectives and expertise. Manager Kelly expressed enthusiasm about the team's direction.
On Thursday, the Pittsburgh Pirates and manager Don Kelly announced their 2026 coaching staff, which includes five new members alongside eight returning coaches in their previous roles. The new hires comprise pitching coach Bill Murphy, bench coach Kristopher Negrón, and third-base coach Tony Beasley—three who had been reported earlier. Kelly discussed this trio in November, and Murphy shared insights with MLB.com at the Winter Meetings. Joining them are assistant pitching coach Thomas Whitsett and Major League field coordinator Shawn Bowman. Chris Truby, who joined the Major League staff last May following Kelly's appointment as manager, will serve as infield coach.
The returning staff members are first-base coach Tarrik Brock, catching coach Jordan Comadena, hitting coach Matt Hague, bullpen catcher Raúl Hernandez, assistant hitting coaches Christian Marrera and Jonny Tucker, translator and assistant coach Stephen Morales, and bullpen coach Miguel Perez.
In a statement, Kelly highlighted the strategic intent behind the changes: “We have talked a lot as an organization about being better on and off the field. We are constantly working on measures that will allow us to take our game to the next level. We believe this group will help us accomplish that. We have added some unique perspectives, postseason experience and success, and an enormous amount of baseball knowledge to our staff. I am excited to navigate the 2026 season with this group.”
Whitsett arrives from the Houston Astros' system, where he served as assistant Minor League pitching coordinator in 2023 and pitching coach for their Triple-A affiliate in Sugar Land in 2024. He previously coached in the Astros' organization in 2022 and was director of player development for pitchers at the University of Arizona in 2021. Bowman, meanwhile, managed Triple-A Indianapolis for most of last season after Truby's promotion, having earlier spent three seasons as Minor League field coordinator from 2022 to 2024 and held dual roles as assistant director of coaching and player development.
The Pirates also updated their Major League sports medicine and performance team. Luke Novosel advances to head Major League athletic trainer from his prior role as physical therapist and assistant. Joel Harris and Tyler Brooks join as assistant athletic trainers. Alan Burr is promoted to head Major League strength coach, with Glenn Nutting named assistant strength and conditioning coach after his time with Indianapolis. Kara Wiggins comes on board as Major League dietician after six years with the Toronto Blue Jays, paired with John Regan as assistant. Ryan Jackson moves up to mental performance coordinator from upper-level duties. Additionally, Jeff Branson returns as special advisor for hitting development, having previously been hitting coach from 2014 to 2018 and assistant in 2013.
These moves reflect the Pirates' commitment to enhancing performance across all facets of the organization ahead of the 2026 campaign.