Pittsburgh Pirates make bold move by hiring Kristopher Negrón as bench coach
PITTSBURGH — In a significant shakeup of the coaching staff, Pittsburgh Pirates manager Don Kelly has brought in Kristopher Negrón as the new bench coach for the 2026 season. Negrón, who previously served with the Seattle Mariners, steps into a role that Kelly himself held for over five seasons.
Don Kelly’s Vision for the Pirates
Kelly, who was part of the Pirates’ coaching staff under former manager Derek Shelton since the 2020 season, is excited about the fresh perspective Negrón brings. This change comes on the heels of a disappointing start to the current season, which ultimately led to Shelton’s dismissal on May 8 after a 12-26 record.
Speaking about Negrón, Kelly expressed his enthusiasm during a recent Thanksgiving event at PNC Park, where the Pirates assisted 300 families in the Pittsburgh area. “The guys that we brought in we think the world of. Really excited to add them to the staff,” Kelly stated. He acknowledged that although he was unfamiliar with Negrón prior to the hiring process, the positive feedback he received reinforced the decision. “Coming off the run in Seattle, really excited to have him,” he added.
Negrón’s Impressive Coaching Background
Negrón’s coaching journey has been marked by success during his four seasons with the Mariners. Initially joining the Seattle staff as the first base coach in 2022, he transitioned to the third base coach role in 2024. Under his guidance, the Mariners celebrated four consecutive winning seasons, culminating in a postseason appearance in 2022 that ended a 20-year playoff drought. Most recently, the Mariners reached the American League Championship Series, narrowly falling to the Toronto Blue Jays in a thrilling seven-game series.
After retiring from his playing career in 2019, Negrón began his coaching tenure with the Mariners as an assistant to the director of player development. His leadership skills quickly shone through when he was appointed manager of Triple-A Tacoma on January 27, 2021. Negrón led the team to an impressive 78-52 record and secured a division title, earning him the accolade of Triple-A West Manager of the Year.
A Versatile Playing Career
Negrón’s journey to coaching began with a diverse playing career. Hailing from New Jersey, he attended Vanden High School in California before spending a season at UC Davis and transferring to Consumnes River College. The Boston Red Sox selected him in the seventh round of the 2006 MLB Draft, later trading him to the Cincinnati Reds in 2009.
Making his big league debut in 2012, Negrón played parts of three seasons with the Reds, accumulating 96 games. His career also included time with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Seattle Mariners, and Los Angeles Dodgers, showcasing his ability to fill multiple roles on the diamond. Over his MLB tenure, Negrón played every position except pitcher and catcher, establishing himself as a quintessential utility player.
Offseason Changes for the Pirates
This offseason marks a period of transformation for the Pirates. After extending his contract on the first day of the offseason, Kelly has already made several adjustments to his coaching staff. Notably, he parted ways with pitching coach Oscar Marin and third base coach Mike Rabelo, signaling a commitment to redefining the team’s direction moving forward.
With Negrón now in the fold, the Pirates are poised to embrace a new chapter as they look to rebuild and revitalize their competitive spirit in the coming seasons. The anticipation around Negrón’s arrival reflects a collective hope for improvement and success as the franchise continues to evolve.
