Despite the fact that the team's pitching staff ranked among Major League Baseball's best in 2025, the Pirates have fired pitching coach Oscar Marin, per a source. 

Assistant pitching coach Brent Strom and third base coach Mike Rabelo also will not be returning in 2026. Strom, 76, is known to be contemplating retirement, but could pursue other opportunities. Additional support staff changes could be coming, as well, as evaluations continue.

Player input was considered when making the decision regarding Marin, who served as pitching coach since 2020. These decisions come a day after Don Kelly’s managerial status was made permanent. 

Under Marin, the staff ranked in the top 10 in the majors in ERA (3.76; seventh), WHIP (1.22; T-fourth) and batting average against (.236; eighth), while allowing the third-fewest home runs (153) and seventh-fewest walks (473). The 645 runs they allowed over 162 games this season was the least in a single season by the Pirates' pitching staff since 2015, the last time they appeared in the playoffs.