Yankees and Pirates Face Off in Spring Training Matchup

Ryan Yarbrough takes the mound for the Yankees against Bubba Chandler and the Pirates

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

The New York Yankees and Pittsburgh Pirates are set to face off in a spring training game, with Ryan Yarbrough starting for the Yankees and Bubba Chandler taking the mound for the Pirates. The game will feature a mix of veteran and up-and-coming players as both teams look to fine-tune their rosters ahead of the upcoming season.

Why it matters

Spring training games provide an opportunity for teams to evaluate their players and determine their final roster spots. This matchup between the Yankees and Pirates will give fans a glimpse of the future, with young prospects like Bubba Chandler getting a chance to showcase their skills against a veteran-laden Yankees lineup.

The details

Ryan Yarbrough, a soft-tossing left-hander, will start for the Yankees as he looks to solidify his spot in the team's pitching rotation. Yarbrough had a solid 2025 season, posting a 4.36 ERA in 64 innings across 19 games and eight starts. On the other side, Bubba Chandler, a 23-year-old flamethrower, will take the mound for the Pirates. Chandler made his MLB debut last season, showing promise with his four-pitch mix and strong command, walking just four batters in 31 innings.

  • The game is scheduled for 1:05 pm ET on February 23, 2026.
  • Yarbrough and Chandler are both expected to pitch for several innings as they continue their spring training preparations.

The players

Ryan Yarbrough

A left-handed pitcher for the New York Yankees, Yarbrough is looking to solidify his spot in the team's pitching rotation after a solid 2025 season.

Bubba Chandler

A 23-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Chandler is an exciting young prospect who made his MLB debut last season and is looking to refine his skills during spring training.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Spring training is all about getting ready for the season, and this matchup between the Yankees and Pirates will give us a chance to see some of the up-and-coming talent in the game.”

— Michael Zeno, Sports Writer (yahoo.com)

What’s next

The Yankees and Pirates will continue their spring training schedules, with both teams looking to finalize their rosters and prepare for the upcoming regular season.

The takeaway

This spring training game between the Yankees and Pirates showcases the blend of veteran experience and young talent that makes baseball so exciting. Fans will get a chance to see how players like Yarbrough and Chandler perform as they compete for roster spots and look to make an impact in the 2026 season.