Pirates to Call Up Bubba Chandler on Friday
The Pittsburgh Pirates are expected to select the contract of right-hander Bubba Chandler on Friday. Both MLB.com’s Alex Stumpf and Noah Hiles of the Post-Gazette were first to report Chandler’s promotion. Hiles specifically mentioned that Chandler will be pitching out of the bullpen in bulk relief.
Chandler was drafted by the Pirates as a third rounder in 2021. The former two-sport athlete chose to sign with the Bucs, instead of honoring his commitment to play quarterback at Clemson.
Initially taken as a two-way player, Chandler made the transition to pitcher exclusively beginning in 2022.
The 2024 season was a breakout year for Chandler, as he put up a 3.08 ERA with the Altoona Curve and Indianapolis Indians. He combined to strike out 148 batters in 119.2 innings (11.1 K/9).
Chandler entered this season as the Pirates top prospect, and at one point, was ranked the second best prospect in baseball, behind only Roman Anthony of the Boston Red Sox.
After posting a 3.41 ERA in the first half, the second half has been a struggle for Chandler, with an ERA of 4.93 over his last nine starts. The lack of command, particularly with the fastball is an issue, walking 24 batters in 42 innings (5.1 BB/9).
It appears the Pirates want to ease Chandler into the big leagues, and give him starts eventually, much like they did with Braxton Ashcraft earlier this year.