The Pittsburgh Pirates have assembled a dynamite pitching staff loaded with young arms, especially in the starting rotation. Reigning NL Cy Young winner Paul Skenes is the best, of course, but he’s also just the tip of the iceberg.
One hurler poised to play a key role for the Pirates this year is Bubba Chandler, who’s one of the best pitching prospects in baseball and heading into his first full MLB season.
The 23-year-old righty debuted for Pittsburgh last August and pitched well in his first taste of the Major Leagues, going 4-1 with a 4.02 ERA, a 0.93 WHIP and a 2.66 FIP. He also showed remarkable command with 31 strikeouts and just four walks in 31 1/3 innings.
In fact, that elite control and willingness to attack the strike zone are what stand out about Chandler to former All-Star pitcher Dan Plesac, now an analyst for MLB Network.
“Big-time arm…big fastball,” Plesac said on Tuesday’s episode of MLB Tonight. “And what I like about him, he’s very poised on the mound. I’m a big body language guy…a lot of possibilities and positivity exude out of this young guy.
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“And what I like the most…he’s on the attack. He’s not afraid to throw the ball in the strike zone,” Plesac continued. “He gets it, believes in his stuff…he has a huge ceiling.”
The Pirates already have a bona fide ace in Skenes, but Chandler may not be far behind. If he can build off his strong 2025, he has the potential to be a top-shelf No. 2 starter behind Skenes for years to come.
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