Pirates Top Prospect Continues to Overpower Triple-A Hitters
Pittsburgh Pirates top pitching prospect Bubba Chandler turned in another impressive performance for the Indianapolis Indians on Saturday, working four innings with six strikeouts in a 5-2 win over the Louisville Bats. The right-hander allowed two runs on two hits—including a solo home run on a misplaced 101 mph fastball—but otherwise continued his dominant start to the Triple-A season.
Bubba Chandler's strikeout velo today:
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) April 13, 2025
98.6 mph
93.5
99.1
93.3
100.0
101.5@Pirates | @YoungBucsPIT | @indyindians pic.twitter.com/ADMEH3epQK
Chandler, ranked as the Pirates’ No. 1 prospect by MLB Pipeline, has now posted a 1.69 ERA with 18 strikeouts in 16 innings across four starts. His latest outing featured 52 pitches (37 strikes), with his fastball consistently sitting 98-101 mph and his slider generating whiffs. The lone mistake came on a center-cut fastball that Louisville’s Ivan Johnson drove over the left-field wall.
While not as pristine as his previous 9.2 scoreless innings to begin the year, Chandler’s ability to rebound after the homer and maintain efficiency (no walks, 71% strike rate) underscored his growing command. The 22-year-old has now recorded six or more strikeouts in two straight starts, further solidifying his case as one of baseball’s premier pitching prospects.
Bubba Chandler just finished another fantastic start 🔥-
— Christian ✞ (@CWolfPGH) April 13, 2025
4.0IP, 2H, 2R, 2ER, 0BB, 6SO
52 pitches, 37 strikes
Only blemish was a 2-out HR on a 101mph fastball - just left it over the middle
Full recap here!
1.69ERA, 18SO this year!🔥
(He was pulled so Harrington could pitch) pic.twitter.com/fyjxLTTtuU
With Paul Skenes already anchoring Pittsburgh’s rotation, Chandler’s progression adds to the Pirates’ enviable young pitching depth. Given his 119-inning workload last season, the organization may continue to manage his innings carefully, but his consistent dominance at Triple-A could accelerate his timeline.
Chandler’s next start is expected later this week against the Toledo Mudhens.
Ethan Merrill is from Grand Rapids, MI, and brings with him a diverse background of experiences. After graduating from Michigan State University with a degree in journalism, he worked with the Arizona Diamondbacks for three seasons before settling in the Pittsburgh area in 2020. With a passion for sports and a growing connection to his community, Ethan brings a fresh perspective to covering the Pittsburgh Pirates.