The Pirates have officially locked in their coaching staff for the 2026 season, and it’s a group that brings a mix of fresh voices, postseason pedigree, and deep baseball know-how. Five new faces are joining the dugout, headlined by a bench coach with championship credentials and a pitching duo that helped anchor one of baseball’s most dominant staffs in recent years.
Kristopher Negron takes over as bench coach, and this hire signals a clear intent by Pittsburgh to raise the bar. Negron spent last season as the third base coach for the AL West-winning Mariners, and before that, he logged three years as Seattle’s first base coach.
But perhaps most telling is his time managing the Mariners’ Triple-A affiliate in Tacoma, where he led the Rainiers to a Triple-A West title in 2021. That kind of leadership experience-paired with his recent success at the big-league level-makes him a key figure in the Pirates’ dugout makeover.
Manager Don Kelly didn’t hold back in his praise for the group, saying, “We have talked a lot as an organization about being better on and off the field... We believe this group will help us accomplish that.” It’s clear the Pirates are aiming for more than incremental progress-they’re looking for a cultural shift, and this staff is being tasked with driving that change.
On the pitching side, the Pirates landed Bill Murphy as their new pitching coach, and that’s a name that should raise some eyebrows in a good way. Murphy was the man behind the Astros’ pitching staff from 2022 through 2025, a stretch that saw Houston post a league-best 3.61 ERA.
That’s not just good-it’s elite. Murphy’s track record suggests he knows how to get the most out of arms, whether it’s frontline starters or bullpen depth.
Joining him is Thomas Whitsett as assistant pitching coach, another product of the Astros' pitching pipeline. Whitsett served as the pitching coach for Triple-A Sugar Land, helping shape Houston’s next wave of arms. His addition gives the Pirates a one-two punch of pitching minds who’ve worked in systems known for developing talent and maximizing performance.
Tony Beasley is back in Pittsburgh, and for longtime Pirates fans, the name should ring a bell. This will be Beasley’s third stint with the club, and he returns as the third base coach-a role he previously held from 2008 to 2010. He’s spent the last 11 seasons with the Texas Rangers in the same capacity, adding a wealth of experience to the basepaths and clubhouse.
Shawn Bowman rounds out the new hires, stepping in as the Major League Field Coordinator. He managed Triple-A Indianapolis for most of 2025, so he already has familiarity with many of the young players expected to contribute in Pittsburgh this season. That continuity could prove valuable as prospects make the jump to the bigs.
In addition to the new faces, the Pirates are bringing back eight coaches from last season, maintaining some continuity as they build toward 2026:
- Tarrik Brock returns as first base coach
- Jordan Comadena stays on as catching coach
- Raul Hernandez continues as bullpen catcher
- Christian Marrero and Johnny Tucker will again serve as assistant hitting coaches
- Stephen Morales resumes his dual role as translator and assistant coach
- Miguel Perez returns as bullpen coach
This blend of returning staff and new voices gives the Pirates a diverse and experienced coaching corps. From player development to in-game strategy, the pieces are in place. Now it’s about execution-and this group looks ready to help lead the next chapter in Pittsburgh.