Pirates let go more than 2 dozen employees in restructuring of business operations

In a move made to restructure the business operations of the organization under new leadership, the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday laid off more than two dozen employees, including select department heads, a source told the Tribune-Review.

The decision to make staff changes came just two days after MLB and its Players Association agreed to play a 60-game regular season, with players reporting to training camps July 1 and games starting July 23-24.

The moves didn’t affect the team’s baseball operations but either eliminated positions or redefined roles throughout the organization, an examination process expected under new Pirates president Travis Williams that was expedited by the coronavirus pandemic. Pirates chairman Bob Nutting hired Williams on Oct. 28 to replace Frank Coonelly, who was fired along with general manager Neal Huntington and manager Clint Hurdle following a 93-loss season.

The Pirates already furloughed about 20% of their employees, including 40% of their business operations, in May while MLB was shut down by the covid-19 crisis. The team previously suspended 401(k) contributions and imposed salary reductions in late April. The highest-paid executives and members of the coaching staff also took voluntary pay cuts.

Those let go will receive full health care benefits through Oct. 31.