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Christine Tannous/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

What to Expect from Pirates Pitcher Bubba Chandler

Originally posted on New Baseball Media
By Chris Studley | Last updated Aug 20, 2025 5:38 PM ET

The Pirates are set to promote Bubba Chander, arguably the best pitching prospect in baseball, on August 22. It sets the stage for Pirates fans to get a look at yet another highly-touted arm, one who can routinely hit triple-digits with a plus-plus fastball.

A Look at Chandler

Among qualified Triple-A pitchers, no hurler had a higher K/9 rate than Bubba Chandler (10.9), the 2021 third-round pick who went from raw high schooler to impressive pitching prospect.

The 22-year-old was a two-way player back in high school and was on track to play baseball and football with Clemson. Pittsburgh paid him $3MM to forego college, a sum the team was able to afford after signing Henry Davis for $6.50MM, almost two million dollars below the recommended slot.

Since then, the right-hander has steadily developed. Chandler had arguably his best season in 2024, a year that saw him strike out 148 over 119 innings. Opposing hitters only hit .189 off him that year.

With Triple-A Indianapolis, Chandler has been more hittable. The HR/9 ticked up slightly to .72, while his walk rate jumped to 4.7. Those numbers were buoyed by 12 walks over 12 innings in June, and eight more over 12 frames in August.

Bubba Chandler Whiff 2025 AAA 2 A lot of action with that fastball up. (via New Baseball Media)

Still, Chandler has the makings of a future ace, starting with an explosive fastball that I’ve written about several times over the last few months.

The right-hander hit as high as 102 MPH with that pitch in Triple-A this season — with plus carry (17.8”), no less. Chandler also would rank above-average in terms of mean extension (6.6”), making that pitch even more formidable.

Pitch	2025 Whiff%
Four-Seam	32.6%
Changeup	33.5%
Slider	28.2%

Aside from the plus-plus fastball, Chandler can mix it up with a curveball, a slider (seen below) that he can work against both lefties and righties, along with a changeup to play off the hard fastball.

Per reports, the Pirates will promote Bubba Chandler on August 22. He’ll pitch out of the bullpen, at least initially, in bulk relief.

Analysis

Between the movement profile on the slider, the blistering fastball, and the strikeout numbers, Chandler has the stuff — and it’s been evident for some time — to be an effective Major League pitcher. And, the ceiling is high; think #1 starter high.

Bubba Chandler 2025 AAA Pitch Movement Consistent shape with the slider, and a carrying four-seamer. (via New Baseball Media)

The Pirates don’t have to worry about burning rookie eligibility with Chandler, especially with the arrangements made. He won’t be able to accrue enough service time and won’t hit the innings threshold, meaning Pittsburgh can make him Rookie of the Year-eligible for 2026.

However, the move to start him out of the bullpen is an interesting one. From a pure numbers standpoint, Chandler has had trouble limiting walks. Starting him out of the bullpen in long relief can ease the pressure on him as he begins his Major League journey. And, more importantly, ease the pressure on his arm.

It’s worth noting that Chandler’s thrown 100 innings this season. His career high was 119.2 IP, set in 2024.

But from a long-term view, Chandler is going to be very important. The Pirates have a bona fide ace in Paul Skenes, and with more pitching to come (Hunter Barco, Seth Hernandez, Thomas Harrington, etc.), Pittsburgh has the potential to build something special and sustainable — if everything goes right.

When it comes to pitching prospects, a lot can go wrong.

This article first appeared on New Baseball Media and was syndicated with permission.

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