It should only be a matter of time for the young buc.
For the last couple of years the Pittsburgh Pirates organization has had some of the best pitching prospects on their minor league teams. Just a year ago, both Paul Skenes and Jared Jones were called up and so far have been incredible big league arms. This year is no different, as many are wondering when the time will come for Bubba Chandler to be promoted to Pittsburgh.
Chandler came into this season as one of the highest rated prospects in baseball, sitting atop the team rankings and at number 14 overall. This season Chandler is arguably one of the best if not the best pitcher in triple-a. Through five starts he has an ERA of 1.33, with a 0.64 WHIP, and has held opposing batters to a .106 average. His curveball usage is up some 6 percent from last year, while also averaging 3mph more on those pitches. His fastball is still the steady first tool in his bag, but he is continuing to show great development as a 22-year old pitcher.
Bubba Chandler has a 1.33 ERA, 0.64 WHIP and a Triple-A-leading .106 average-against over four starts this season.
He leads the @indyindians against Tyler Gentry and the @OMAStormChasers in the MiLB Free Game of the Day tonight.
Preview: https://t.co/TSCHLBHC9N pic.twitter.com/852HCQfuDq
— Minor League Baseball (@MiLB) May 1, 2025
Skenes was in a similar position last season, and says he’s looking forward to being on the same team as Chandler once again.
He’s going to bring a lot to the staff, I’m fired up to see that. I’m excited,” Skenes said.
As far as when the call up to Pittsburgh is happening is still under wraps. The team did mention however, that his starts will be more extensive beginning in May, going past his five inning limit for the first time with the Indians. General Manager Ben Cherington commented on his expectations for Chandler moving forward.
“He’s now got four potentially really good pitches, and Triple-A lineups, especially as we increase volume, will challenge him and how he’s using those pitches,” general manager Cherington said. “I would like to see him get some more reps with that, just the usage, where he’s going in different situations, how he’s using his stuff.”
Jeff Passan is a huge Bubba Chandler guy: pic.twitter.com/Sd2f1KbQYq
— SkenesMuse (@PaulSkenesMuse) March 27, 2025
Chandler is certainly knocking on the door to the big leagues, and with some good starts in the month of May, he could be looking at a June promotion. If he can handle the larger work load that comes with logging more pitches, he could very easily capitalize on this month’s performances to launchpad himself to the show.