Pittsburgh Pirates' Top Prospect Could Make Opening Day Roster
Title: Pirates' Top Prospect Could Make Opening Day Roster Paul Skenes won the 2024 National League Rookie of the Year, highlighting the success of Pittsburgh Pirates' prospects. Bubba Chandler is the Pirates' top prospect and is considered ready for the big leagues following a strong performance in Triple-A. MLB's Jonathan Mayo suggests that Chandler's readiness could lead to a different promotion strategy compared to Skenes. Chandler had an impressive record of 10-7 with a 3.08 ERA in 2024, showcasing his potential as a significant contributor. In Triple-A, Chandler excelled with a 4-0 record and a 1.83 ERA over seven starts, striking out 54 batters in 39.1 innings. Chandler is ranked 15th overall in baseball and is the second-best pitching prospect, behind only Jackson Jobe. The Pirates may face challenges in including Chandler on the Opening Day roster due to existing pitching depth. The decision regarding Chandler's promotion could be influenced by the lessons learned from Skenesâ early season handling. Chandler's performance in Spring Training could be pivotal in determining his immediate role with the team. Regardless of his initial placement, Chandler is expected to make a significant impact for the Pirates in 2025.
Original Article: https://www.si.com/mlb/pirates/news/pittsburgh-pirates-bubba-chandler-could-make-opening-day-roster
Original Article Author: Nathaniel Marrero
