Paul Skenes' season showed why this top prospect should start 2025 with Pirates

Title: Paul Skenes' season showed why this top prospect should start 2025 with Pirates Paul Skenes concluded the 2024 season impressively, achieving a 214 ERA+ and winning Rookie of the Year after being drafted first overall by the Pirates in 2023. The Pirates missed out on the prospect promotion incentive (PPI) by promoting Skenes in May instead of within the first two weeks of the season, which would have qualified them for an extra draft pick. To qualify for PPI, a top prospect must remain rookie eligible, be promoted early in the season, and perform well in awards voting while being ranked as a top-100 prospect. Bubba Chandler, drafted by the Pirates in 2021, is identified as a potential candidate to earn the Pirates an extra draft pick if promoted early in the 2025 season. Chandler had a standout 2024 season, pitching 119.2 innings with a 3.07 ERA and an impressive 30.9% strikeout rate, making him a dominant force in the minor leagues. At Triple-A, Chandler posted a remarkable 1.83 ERA and a 34% strikeout rate, demonstrating his ability to handle high-level competition effectively. Chandler is ranked as a consensus top-100 prospect, with MLB Pipeline placing him 15th and Baseball America ranking him 21st in baseball. Analysts believe Chandler has a strong chance of contending for Rookie of the Year, with some considering him a potential Cy Young finalist in the future. Unlike Skenes, Chandler has experience pitching in a five-man rotation, which positions him well for a full season in the majors. Promoting Chandler to the Pirates' Opening Day rotation could not only secure an extra draft pick but also enhance the team's overall pitching strength, creating a formidable rotation alongside Skenes and others.

Original Article: https://rumbunter.com/paul-skenes-season-showed-why-top-prospect-bubba-chandler-should-start-2025-with-pirates

Original Article Author: Noah Wright