Bubba Chandler Makes MLB Debut with Pittsburgh Pirates

Pittsburgh Pirates' top prospect Bubba Chandler joins big leagues

Pittsburgh Pirates' top pitching prospect Bubba Chandler makes MLB debut against Colorado Rockies after impressive minor league stint.

The Pittsburgh Pirates are calling up their top pitching prospect, Bubba Chandler, ahead of Friday's game against the Colorado Rockies at PNC Park. Chandler, ranked as the No. 1 pitching prospect and No. 7 overall prospect in baseball, will initially pitch in a bulk relief role, with potential opportunities to start games this season.

Chandler's Background:

• Prospect Ranking: Chandler is considered the Pirates' second-best prospect and the seventh-best prospect overall, according to MLB Pipeline's rankings.

• Minor League Performance: This season, Chandler has gone 5-6 with a 4.05 ERA across 24 starts for Triple-A Indianapolis, striking out 121 batters in 100 innings.

Pirates' Expectations:

Initial Role: Chandler will start in the bullpen, but the Pirates plan to assess his performance and potentially move him to the starting rotation.

Long-term Potential: General Manager Ben Cherington believes Chandler has the potential to be a very good major league starting pitcher, but notes that timing and opportunity are crucial factors in his promotion.

BREAKING: Bubba Chandler, MLB's No. 1 pitching prospect, will reportedly be called up by the Pirates and pitch out of the bullpen, per multiple sources including MLB's @AlexJStumpf. pic.twitter.com/2pAZSFW4ym

— MLB (@MLB) August 20, 2025

Chandler's promotion is a significant move for the Pirates, who are eager to see their top prospect contribute to the team's success. With his impressive minor league stats and potential, Chandler is expected to make a positive impact on the team.

Bubba Chandler, the 22-year-old pitching sensation, has been making waves in Triple-A with a 4.05 ERA in 26 starts this season. Through 100 innings, he's surrendered 95 hits and 53 walks while racking up an impressive 121 strikeouts. Opposing batters are hitting .250 against him, resulting in a 1.48 WHIP.

Recent Performance:

Chandler's performance hasn't been consistent throughout the season. He excelled early on, posting a 2.03 ERA in six starts with 36 strikeouts and just seven walks in 25 1/3 innings. However, his command faltered significantly later in the summer, leading to a 5.96 ERA with a 22.1% strikeout rate and 13.1% walk rate since June.

Career Highlights:

Minor League Stats: In 89 career minor league games (83 starts) across four seasons, Chandler boasts a 26-18 record with a 3.73 ERA and 1.29 WHIP, striking out 457 batters in 372 innings.

Pittsburgh Pirates Prospect: Ranked as the No. 1 pitching prospect and No. 7 overall prospect in baseball by (link unavailable), Chandler is expected to make a significant impact in the major leagues.

Promising Future: The Pirates see Chandler as a future starter, but he'll begin with a bullpen role to gain big league experience, potentially earning starts later this season.

Bubba Chandler's career MiLB stats:

372 IP
3.73 ERA
457 Ks

The Pirates have another strikeout machine heading to The Show 🔥 https://t.co/mQCOhzXQL0 pic.twitter.com/OUibmR4jRz

— MLB (@MLB) August 20, 2025

The Pittsburgh Pirates drafted Bubba Chandler with the 72nd overall pick in the third round of the 2021 MLB Draft out of North Oconee High School in Bogart, Georgia. Chandler, a highly touted prospect, was signed to an above-slot $3 million deal, reflecting the team's confidence in his potential. As a multi-sport athlete, Chandler excelled in both baseball and football, even committing to play at Clemson University before opting for professional baseball with the Pirates.

Chandler's Background:

• High School: North Oconee High School in Bogart, Georgia
• Draft Position: 72nd overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft (third round)
• Signing Bonus: $3 million

Chandler has quickly risen through the Pirates' minor league ranks, showcasing his skills as a talented right-handed pitcher. His athleticism and raw power have drawn comparisons to top prospects, with Chandler focusing exclusively on pitching since 2023. With his impressive performance, including a 3.73 ERA and 457 strikeouts in 372 innings in the minors, Chandler is considered one of the top pitching prospects in baseball.