Pirates’ One-Time Two-Way Prospect Looking to Rebound

Top Pirates Prospect Bubba Chandler Hoping to Rebound at Triple-A and Beyond

Developing the Two-Way Star

After being a third-round pick in the 2021 MLB Draft, Bubba Chandler was ready to go as a two-way player, undecided on which way to go. However, after struggling at the plate, he committed full-time to becoming a pitcher. In 2023, Chandler spent most of the time in High-A, where he made 24 starts. In those starts, he posted a 4.75 ERA in 106 innings with a 1.500 WHIP. He showcased his stuff, striking out 120 batters while walking 51, having hitters bat .265 off of him. He ended with one Double-A start, going five innings, allowing one hit while striking out eight batters. A performance like this gave the team hope that he could take the next step the following year. This allowed him to end the year as the Pirates’ seventh-ranked prospect.

He continued his success into 2024, where he made 23 starts through two levels. At Double-A, he posted a 3.70 ERA and a 1.008 WHIP, holding batters to a .192 average. He then got to Triple-A, where he showcased his talent. In the seven starts to end the season, Chandler put up a 1.83 ERA, striking out 54 over 39 1/3 innings. He then ended the season showcasing as the Pirates’ fifth-ranked prospect. To begin 2025. Chandler put up a 2.60 ERA over his first 14 starts. However, he then struggled, seeing his ERA rise almost a run over the last seven starts to 3.58. At a face level, this could be attributed to Chandler’s command, as he walked multiple batters in those seven starts. While he has struggled of late, his stuff has never diminished, which allowed him to become the fifth-ranked prospect in all of baseball.

The Future for Bubba Chandler and the Pirates

With a strong rotation already, Bubba Chandler may see major league action by the end of the year. This is more likely now that the Pirates traded away Bailey Falter to the Kansas City Royals. If they let him finish the year in Triple-A, he should very well be on the Opening Day roster next season. If so, their rotation could feature Paul Skenes, Jared Jones, Mitch Keller, Bubba Chandler, and one more starter. That group could prove to be one of the top rotations in all of baseball. The only thing the Pirates need going forward is to fortify their offense, and they have the potential to make the playoffs in 2026.