Former All-Star Praises Pirates Prospect Bubba Chandler's Dominant Pitching

Chandler's control, power, and poise have MLB analysts excited for his sophomore season.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The Pittsburgh Pirates are entering the new MLB season with a promising pitching staff, highlighted by several young arms. Among these rising talents is Bubba Chandler, a 23-year-old pitching prospect who is preparing for his first full year in the Major Leagues following an impressive debut last August. Former All-Star Dan Plesac has praised Chandler's combination of control, power, and poise, predicting a huge ceiling for the young pitcher.

Why it matters

The Pirates are banking on their young pitching staff, led by Chandler and reigning NL Cy Young winner Paul Skenes, to help the team return to competitiveness. Chandler's development into a reliable No. 2 starter could provide the rotation with much-needed depth and stability for seasons ahead.

The details

Chandler, 23, finished 2025 with solid numbers, including a 4-1 record, a 4.02 ERA, and a 0.93 WHIP over 31⅓ innings. His performance was marked by exceptional command, striking out 31 batters while issuing only four walks. Dan Plesac, a veteran All-Star and current MLB Network analyst, has expressed optimism about Chandler's potential, praising his 'big-time arm', 'big fastball', and poised demeanor on the mound.

  • Chandler made his MLB debut in August 2025.
  • The 2026 MLB season is about to begin.

The players

Bubba Chandler

A 23-year-old pitching prospect for the Pittsburgh Pirates who is preparing for his first full year in the Major Leagues.

Dan Plesac

A former MLB All-Star pitcher and current analyst for MLB Network.

Paul Skenes

The reigning NL Cy Young winner who is anchoring the Pirates' pitching staff.

Brandon Lowe

An emerging player for the Pirates who is mentoring younger teammates like Konnor Griffin.

Konnor Griffin

A young Pirates pitcher who is benefiting from the guidance and growth environment within the team's camp.

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What they’re saying

“If I'm a Pirates fan, this is the most enthusiastic I've felt going into a season in about four or five years.”

— Dan Plesac, MLB Network Analyst (MLB Network)

“Big-time arm...big fastball,”

— Dan Plesac, MLB Network Analyst (MLB Network)

“And what I like the most...he's on the attack. He's not afraid to throw the ball in the strike zone, He gets it, believes in his stuff...he has a huge ceiling.”

— Dan Plesac, MLB Network Analyst (MLB Network)

What’s next

The Pirates will be closely monitoring Chandler's progress and performance as he transitions to a full MLB season. His development into a reliable No. 2 starter could be a key factor in the team's success in the coming years.

The takeaway

The Pirates' investment in young pitching talent like Bubba Chandler reflects a commitment to building a competitive roster for the future. With a blend of promising arms and positive clubhouse energy, the team's pitching staff appears poised for significant success in the seasons ahead.