In a notable move, the Pittsburgh Pirates are promoting 22-year-old right-handed pitcher Bubba Chandler, who is regarded as one of baseball’s top pitching prospects, ahead of their matchup with the Colorado Rockies.
Pirates manager Don Kelly expressed enthusiasm about bringing Chandler on board, emphasizing that he’ll have an opportunity to compete for starting roles alongside current NL Rookie of the Year, Paul Skenes.
“He’s going to have a chance to earn starts, just like all our guys,” Kelly said after the team’s recent victory over the Toronto Blue Jays. “We’re thrilled to add him; he’ll bring a lot to our team.”
Chandler is set to start in a bullpen role at first. Although he began his season strong at Triple-A, his performance has dipped recently, leaving him with a record of 5-6 and a 4.05 ERA over 100 innings this year.
The Pirates previously used 25-year-old Braxton Ashcraft similarly after his promotion. Ashcraft has shown promise since joining the majors, pitching effectively in 19 games.
“Bringing him up to the big leagues and placing him in this role is key,” Kelly remarked. “Ashcraft thrived in it, and Chandler will benefit from working in the bullpen while learning from experienced players.”
Like Ashcraft, Chandler is expected to transition to starting sometime in the future. Ashcraft’s recent outings have proven he can handle that role well, giving him confidence in his abilities.
“For me, it made me a better pitcher,” Ashcraft stated. “Being in a different role pushed me to compete harder, which I believe Bubba will do as well.”
The Pirates have taken a careful approach with Chandler since he transitioned to full-time pitching at the start of this season, moving away from his early career as a two-way player. This change has allowed him to focus more on honing his pitching skills after struggling as a hitter.
Chandler began the season in Triple-A with outstanding performances but faced challenges in recent games, resulting in a 0-2 record with a 7.50 ERA this month. With the Pirates not performing well in the standings, this promotion offers him a chance to prove himself at the major league level as the team looks toward a brighter future.
“He’s a fierce competitor,” Ashcraft said. “He loves competing in sports, and I believe he will succeed with any opportunity he gets.”
Looking ahead, the Pirates seem to have a solid foundation for next season, with Skenes and Mitch Keller leading the rotation. There are still questions about the remaining spots, and Chandler will be looking to secure his place through strong performances in the upcoming games.
As he steps onto the field, aided by the support of his teammates, the organization hopes for a successful showing from Chandler that can benefit not just this season, but also the years to come.
