Pirates Promote Bubba Chandler to Major Leagues, Plan Bulk-Role and Potential Start Time
The Pittsburgh Pirates have called up right-handed pitcher Bubba Chandler, MLB.com’s No. 7 overall prospect and the club’s top pitching prospect, to the major leagues. Chandler is expected to begin his major-league stint in a bulk-relief role out of the bullpen, with opportunities to start games for the Pirates in 2025.
Chandler, 22, has spent the season in Triple-A Indianapolis, where he has appeared in 24 games (24 starts) and gone 5-6 with a 4.05 ERA. He has struck out 121 batters over 100 innings for the Indians this year as he continues to transition fully to the mound.
Drafted by Pittsburgh in the third round of the 2021 MLB Draft out of North Oconee High School in Bogart, Georgia, Chandler was once committed to playing quarterback for Clemson before signing with the Pirates for a $3 million bonus. He began his pro career as a two-way player, first at first base, before focusing exclusively on pitching in 2023.
Chandler’s breakthrough came in 2024, when he made seven Triple-A starts for Indianapolis, posting a 4-0 record with a 1.83 ERA. The numbers dipped in 2025, in part due to control issues, as he has walked 53 batters across 100 innings. Despite the walks, his strikeout rate remains strong at 10.9 per nine innings, underscoring his ceiling when he tightens his command.
The Pirates plan to integrate Chandler into the roster this week, adding him to the active list on Friday. The initial usage will mirror a bulk-role setup similar to rookie Braxton Ashcraft, with the prospect having a path to starting opportunities during the 2025 season.
Takeaway and outlook:
– Chandler’s pedigree and swing-and-miss strain make him a high-upside piece for Pittsburgh’s pitching staff.
– The immediate plan to deploy him in a bulk-relief role protects his innings and lets him build MLB familiarity before potentially taking on a starting workload.
– His 10.9 K/9 demonstrates clear ceiling, but improving control will be key to maximizing his development at the big-league level.
– If he can regain consistent command, Chandler could become a multi-inning weapon out of the bullpen and a viable starting option later in the season or in subsequent years.
Summary:
The Pirates are prudently promoting Bubba Chandler, leveraging his strikeout upside while easing him into major-league action via a bulk-relief role, with a clear opportunity to start games in 2025 as he continues to refine his control.
Potentially relevant context:
– Chandler’s rise from a two-way high-school athlete to a top pitching prospect has highlighted Pittsburgh’s investment in versatile, athletics-driven pitchers.
– The move signals a broader strategy to blend ready-made bullpen depth with the possibility of longer stints in the rotation as the season progresses.