PITTSBURGH — When new leadership was hired this past offseason, the Pirates figured that eventually they would look to restructure the business side of the organization.

Just not this soon.

Multiple sources told a Pittsburgh newspaper Thursday that the Pirates fired more than two dozen people, including several department heads, as part of a massive reorganization that was hastened by the coronavirus pandemic.

Some of those affected have been with the club for decades, overseeing such things as business analytics, ticket sales and hospitality.

While one source said that “COVID probably expedited the process of evaluating staffing structure and job functions throughout the entire organization,” the result became eliminating some positions and changing the responsibilities of others.

One source said the number affected was “believed to be around 25.”

Those who were fired will receive full health care benefits, including the covering of employee contributions, at least through Oct. 31. Severance packages will be offered.

Thursday’s moves are the latest in a series of responses to the pandemic and a lack of money coming in.