INTRODUCTION 

Derek Shelton is the only active MLB manager in the National League Central Division in 2024 whose contract length has not been publicly disclosed by his employer, the Pittsburgh Pirates organization. Below are the contract length details (made public) for the four other managers in the NL Central division: 

David Bell (Reds): On July 28, 2023, Bell agreed to a contract extension with the Reds through 2026. 

Craig Counsell (Cubs): On November 6, 2023, Counsell was hired as the manager of the Chicago Cubs on a five-year contract worth over $40 million, making him the highest-paid manager in Major League Baseball history, both in annual average value and total value. 

Oliver Marmol (Cardinals): Before the 2024 regular season began, Marmol and the Cardinals agreed to a two-year contract extension. 

Pat Murphy (Brewers): Pat Murphy signed his first contract as a manager on November 16, 2023. He and the Milwaukee Brewers agreed to a three-year contract, which is valid until the 2026 season.

*Derek Shelton (Pirates): On April 22, 2023, the Pirates announced that Shelton's contract had been extended. [*The contract length was NOT publicly disclosed.]

PURPOSE OF THIS PETITION 

As a show of increased support for the 2024 Pittsburgh Pirates team, fans have continued to contribute to the significant revenue stream of the Pirates franchise through multiple channels. 

However, many Pirates fans have also become extremely frustrated since the 2024 All-Star break regarding the team's sudden downward trajectory. The Pirates now sit under .500, and several remaining series could continue to negatively impact the Pirates' final team record by the end of the 2024 season.

After a very successful first half in 2024 (a level of success that hinted at a possible Wild Card spot in the postseason), the Pirates are now at risk of a last-place finish in the NL Central by season's end. This is all taking place despite the fact that the 2024 Pirates have a formidable MLB starting rotation headlined by Paul Skenes, Mitch Keller, and Jared Jones.

Many Pirates fans are now calling for an immediate resolution regarding Shelton's lack of adequate managerial skills and corresponding decisions, which have directly led to several game losses this season. Shelton is proving without question that he's clearly not the appropriate manager to take any Pirates team with talent into the playoffs, or to lead a team to postseason success in the future. 

■ Pirates fans deserve to know the LENGTH of Derek Shelton's 2023 contract extension. If you agree and would like to see his extension information made public, PLEASE sign this petition. ■

In addition, if you also believe that Derek Shelton is not a competent MLB manager and is unsuitable for the Pittsburgh Pirates going forward, please share that feedback when you sign the petition. (Give relevant and constructive feedback, without the use of profanity or name-calling).

Thank You.