Top pitching prospect Bubba Chandler moves up to the big leagues

The Pittsburgh Pirates have one of the best young pitchers in the majors in Paul Skenes, and now they’re going to give the opportunity to another talented prospect. According to MLB.com, the Pennsylvania team has elevated Bubba Chandler to the majors for the series against the Colorado Rockies at PNC Park.

Chandler, 22, was MLB Pipeline’s seventh-best prospect and the best pitcher among them. He has spent three years in the Pirates’ affiliates, from Rookie of the Year to Triple-A, since being drafted by Pittsburgh in the 2021 Draft.

This year, the Lawrenceville, Georgia native has made 24 starts with the Indianapolis Indians, the Pirates’ affiliate, with a 5-6 record and a 4.05 ERA after allowing 45 earned runs in 100 complete innings.

One of Chandler’s advantages is that he can switch-hitter in addition to working off the mound. He could have played football at Clemson University after excelling in both sports in high school, but he chose to become a professional baseball player instead.

What will Chandler’s role be with the Pirates?

The Pirates’ plan for Chandler is to develop him into a long-term starter. However, the young pitcher’s immediate impact will be as a reliever. Currently, Pittsburgh’s starting rotation consists of Skenes, Mitch Keller, Mike Burrows, Johan Oviedo, and Braxton Ashcraft.

The relief pitchers are Isaac Mattson, Chase Shugart, Yohan Ramirez, Colin Holderman, and Kyle Nicolas. The only position that won’t change is closer Dennis Santana, so Chandler could see action in the final third of the remaining games of the 2025 season.

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