Prospect Watch
Bubba Chandler, 6-3, 218, RHP
The 22-year-old Chandler, a 2021 third-round pick who bypassed a chance to play quarterback at Clemson to sign for a $3 million bonus, is the Pirates’ top prospect and is ranked in the top 100 by both Baseball America (No. 6) and MLB Pipeline (No. 14).
Chandler struggled in spring training, allowing five earned runs in 2 1/3 innings over three appearances and issuing more walks (four) than strikeouts (two) in Grapefruit League play. But he shined in the Spring Breakout prospect showcase, recording four strikeouts in two innings against the Philadelphia Phillies last month in Clearwater, Fla.
In his first start of the season at Triple-A Indianapolis, Chandler had four strikeouts in 2 2/3 scoreless innings in a 7-6 win over the Iowa Cubs on Thursday at Victory Field. Chandler used his fastball to record three strikeouts, topping 97 mph on all three and touching 98.6, and got another with his slider. Chandler allowed only one hit but walked three, as he landed only 24 of his 52 pitches for strikes.