The Pirates strong rotation could emerge stronger in 2025 with Bubba Chandler close to the major leagues.
The strength of the 2025 Pittsburgh Pirates will unquestionably be the starting rotation.
Paul Skenes, Jared Jones, and Mitch Keller lead what could be a top five or top 10 staff in baseball… and reinforcements are on the way.
Right-handed pitchers Bubba Chandler and Thomas Harrington both ranked in the top 80 of Baseball America and MLB Pipeline’s updated top 100 prospects list.
Chandler is considered one of the best right-handers in sport, ranking seventh by BA and 15th according to the analysis at MLB Pipeline.
A 2021 third-round pick drafted as a two-way player, Chandler took a significant leap in his progression during the 2024 MiLB season and is regarded as the team’s best prospect.
Bubba Chandler picks up Triple-A strikeout No. 1 (@indyindians) on 98.5 mph heat
The @Pirates‘ top-ranked prospect compiled 10.5 K/9 and a .192 average-against this year prior to his promotion. pic.twitter.com/XhinMKQBXe
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) August 9, 2024
Chandler totaled a 3.70 ERA, .192 opponent batting average, 1.01 WHIP, and 94 strikeouts over 80.1 innings (19 starts) with Double-A Altoona. He allowed 55 hits and 26 walks before being promoted to Triple-A Indianapolis.
The promotion sparked one of the best second halves of any starter. In seven starts, Chandler earned a 1.83 ERA, .183 batting average, 1.04 WHIP, and finished 4-0 in seven starts spanning 39.1 frames, knocking on the door of the big
It’s reminiscent of Jones taking a leap and excelling in spring training. He struck out 146 in 126.1 innings, delivering a 1.23 WHIP and blowing his fastball past Minor-League hitters. Jones did not allow an earned run in 16.1 frames of spring ball and broke camp with the Pirates.
Could a similar approach apply to Chandler? Chandler is the more talented prospect and owns a 70-grade fastball, 60-grade slider, 55-grade changeup, and 50-grade curveball, per MLB Pipeline.
Only 22, Chandler deploys a legit four-pitch arsenal while relying on his upper-90s fastball to send away hitters. A good spring training could result in an opening day roster spot after the Bucs showed their willingness with Jones. If you earn the opportunity, the Pirates proved they’re willing to reward you for it.
The Pirates did lose a full season of service by promoting Jones, rather than wait roughly 15 days to three weeks and earn an additional year of club control. They tried it with Skenes by promoting him on May 11 but gained a year of service time by winning the 2024 NL Rookie of the Year.
Chandler is good enough to be in contention to win ROTY. Would the Pirates be willing to risk that? As good as Chandler is, he’s no Paul Skenes, even though they have similar frames and great fastballs.
I expect Chandler to debut in late May or early June. The Pirates may not have a need for Chandler if the rotation stays healthy, plus Bailey Falter and Johan Oviedo pitch consistently well for Derek Shelton and crew.
The rotation is more of a strength now than at the start of last year, making me believe there’s less of a chance Chandler breaks with the club like Jones. Chandler will be an important part of the Pirates’ summer, but two months into the year seems like the most logical estimation we’ll see the next impactful starter in black and gold.