PITTSBURGH — Paul Skenes hasn’t had an opportunity to observe Bubba Chandler pitch this 12 months. He doesn’t know what number of hits he has allowed to date offhand or what the scouts are saying proper now.
However is Skenes excited in regards to the prospect of getting Chandler be part of the Pirates’ rotation? Nicely, that’s apparent.
“He’s my buddy,” Skenes answered. “Wanting ahead to being with him on daily basis, at any time when that’s. He’s going to carry lots to the employees, I’m fired as much as see that. I’m excited.”
It’s secure to say Skenes speaks for almost all Pirate followers who wish to see Chandler in black and gold. He ranks because the No. 14 prospect within the recreation, in accordance with MLB Pipeline. He additionally is likely to be the highest performing pitcher in Triple-A, rating first within the Worldwide League in batting common in opposition to (.106) and WHIP (0.64), whereas rating third in ERA (1.33).
If it wasn’t for Skenes, Chandler would in all probability be the group’s prime pitching prospect in a decade. Add Mitch Keller and Jared Jones to the combination, and the Pirates ought to have some of the potent rotations within the recreation in some unspecified time in the future this season.
The one query is when Chandler might debut. Might goes to be pivotal for determining that reply, in addition to checking the packing containers the Pirates wish to see.
A few of it’s developmental, as you’d count on from any 22-year-old pitcher. Chandler is way from a completed product, and quite a lot of that lies together with his secondary choices. His fastball is an elite providing and he can blow it by Minor League hitters, however he’s going to wish that curveball, slider and changeup to play, too.
“He is now acquired 4 probably actually good pitches, and Triple-A lineups, particularly as we improve quantity, will problem him and the way he is utilizing these pitches,” basic supervisor Ben Cherington stated just lately. “I wish to see him get some extra reps with that, simply the utilization, the place he is going in numerous conditions, how he is utilizing his stuff.”
Taking a look at Chandler’s pitch utilization in Triple-A this 12 months in comparison with the seven begins he made with Indianapolis final 12 months, his fastball utilization is roughly the identical, with probably the most noticeable change in his combine being together with his curveball. He’s throwing it extra (5.3% to 11.5%), and it’s averaging extra velocity and spin.
This 12 months, Chandler’s curve is averaging 84.1 mph in comparison with 81 mph final 12 months, and a couple of,428 rpm of spin versus 2,276 rpm. It’s important to think about these are early season stats in comparison with August/September stats, however it’s getting good motion and a ton of whiffs (37.5%).
Persevering with to develop the breaking stuff was anticipated. We noticed occasions in Spring Coaching when Chandler would problem himself to throw an offspeed pitch slightly than a fastball in a pivotal rely simply so he didn’t come off as predictable.
Persevering with to develop is a part of the equation, however he additionally wants to totally stretch out as a starter. That shall be occurring in Might.
Up to now, Chandler has maxed out at 5 innings a begin, sitting within the 50- to 70-pitch vary. That’s by design and with the understanding that he’s in all probability going to throw a brand new profession excessive in innings, having logged 111 in 2023 and 119 2/3 final 12 months. He’ll blow previous that this 12 months.
The Pirates did one thing related with Skenes final 12 months. It’s not an apples-to-apples comparability since 2024 was Skenes’ first full professional season, however like with their different younger pitchers, the purpose is to have Chandler pitch via the top of the season.
“I believe it is related however they’re totally different individuals with totally different backgrounds,” supervisor Derek Shelton stated. “Paul, it was his first skilled season, the place Bubba’s really performed. To say there’s some consistency to it, that is in all probability true, however they’re totally different guys.”
The purpose is for Chandler to be able to throw a fuller pitch quantity by the top of Might. He’s near the Majors, and that is going to be a pivotal subsequent month towards getting the Pirates’ prized prospect to Pittsburgh.
