Pittsburgh Pirates Top Prospect Could Follow 'Skenes-Like' Path In 2025

Title: Pirates Top Prospect Could Follow 'Skenes-Like' Path In 2025 The Pittsburgh Pirates are projected to have a strong Rookie of the Year candidate in 2025, with right-handed pitcher Bubba Chandler highlighted for this role. Bubba Chandler ranks as the No. 15 overall prospect in baseball and the No. 2 pitcher according to MLB Pipeline. In 2024, Chandler made significant strides, dominating in Triple-A with a 1.83 ERA and 12.4 strikeouts per nine innings over seven starts. Chandler's successful 2024 season included a 10-7 record and a 3.08 ERA across 26 appearances, showcasing his potential as a future star. The comparison to Paul Skenes, who debuted with the Pirates in 2024 after starting the season in Triple-A, suggests a similar trajectory for Chandler. The Pirates have three pitchers ranked in MLB Pipeline's Top 100 prospects, highlighting their depth in pitching talent. Other notable pitching prospects for the Pirates include Braxton Ashcraft and Thomas Harrington, both of whom are also in the Top 100. Chandler's path to the major leagues may depend on factors such as injuries to current pitchers, underperformance, or his performance in Spring Training. The Pirates' pitching depth includes established players like Paul Skenes, Jared Jones, Mitch Keller, Luis Ortiz, and Bailey Falter. If Chandler can replicate Skenes' impact, the Pirates could develop one of the strongest starting rotations in baseball for the future.

Original Article: https://www.si.com/mlb/pirates/news/pittsburgh-pirates-bubba-chandler-follow-paul-skenes-path-2025

Original Article Author: Nathaniel Marrero