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The Pirates’ future is bright with plenty of highly touted prospects on their road to the show.
The Pittsburgh Pirates have had a highly regarded Minor League system over the past couple of seasons, with top players like Paul Skenes, Jared Jones, and Ke’Bryan Hayes all making good on their high potential. This year is no different as Baseball America has named Bubba Chandler, Konnor Griffin, and Thomas Harington to their list of the top 100 prospects in baseball.
Chandler is undoubtedly the team’s top prospect, and is almost certainly going to make the jump to Pittsburgh this year, with a very real chance at competing for the NL Rookie of the Year. Even if he doesn’t win the hardware, he does have the potential to immediately make an impact as a member of the Pirates’ starting rotation.
Bubba Chandler takes the honor for the top fastball on the list.
“His heater is a demon in the making.” https://t.co/SKdLdoSSJD pic.twitter.com/XQkWAsZ0j1
— Baseball America (@BaseballAmerica) January 23, 2025
Chandler was drafted in the third round of the 2021 draft, and last year he made a monster jump in production, reaching Triple-A Indianapolis. He’s quickly developed into a competent starter with a legit four-pitch mix, and has a great opportunity ahead of him in Spring Training to solidify his position with the team in 2025. Chandler ended the season with a 3.08 ERA and a 10-7 record, earning him the number seven spot on Baseball America’s prospect list.
Landing at the number 57 spot is Pirates’ first round pick, Konnor Griffin. The ninth overall pick had plenty of hype ahead of his decision to sign with the Pirates over LSU, standing out as a real five-tool prospect. Several analysts see him as a potential 30-30 caliber player, and his prowess at both short and center field make him a very exciting athlete to watch over the next couple of years.
Griffin isn’t expect to make his Major League debut until 2028, but the Pirates are positive they got their guy for the future. His plus speed, above average bat skills, and defensive versatility all make him one of the more well-rounded rookies.
Thomas Harrington shoved in 2024 pic.twitter.com/Vl3s9wAWiM
— Young Bucs (@YoungBucsPIT) November 20, 2024
Chandler’s teammate in Indy, also made Baseball America’s Top 100 prospect list, as Thomas Harrington comes in at 74. Harrington became Campbell University’s highest drafted pitcher when the Buccos took him 36th overall in 2022. The former college walk-on has only played in two Minor League systems, but already sees himself in Triple-A as he has progressed rapidly since being drafted.
During his time in Triple-A in 2024, Harrington had a 5-1 record with a 3.33 ERA, and led the organization in K/BB ration for the second season in a row. Though his bag does not standout quite like other top pitchers in Pittsburgh’s system, he is willing to throw up to five pitches, and is adept at keeping opposing batters off balance. Harrington also led all Pittsburgh pitching prospects in BB/9 and WHIP in 2024, and is also expected to make his Major League debut in 2025.
Pirates top prospect Konnor Griffin (@KonnorGriffin22) showing added strength and working on swing mechanics this offseason. pic.twitter.com/OFNuMwA3Xi
— Prospect Dugout (@prospectdugout) December 10, 2024
USA Today has the Pirates farm system ranked seventh in all of baseball, and with these three top prospects, it’s no wonder why. Chandler, Griffin, and Harrington are high on the national radar and should make fine additions to Pittsburgh when their time comes.