The Pittsburgh Pirates aren’t just making noise this offseason-they're making moves with purpose. After a string of years spent rebuilding and retooling, the front office has taken a more aggressive approach, patching key holes and giving fans something they haven’t had in a while: real optimism heading into spring.
Let’s start with the bats. The additions of Brandon Lowe, Ryan O’Hearn, and Marcell Ozuna signal a clear intent to boost an offense that’s been inconsistent in recent seasons.
Lowe brings pop from the left side and positional versatility. O’Hearn had a resurgence last season and gives the lineup a lefty bat with upside.
Ozuna, meanwhile, brings veteran power and postseason experience-something this young Pirates roster could benefit from.
On the mound, Pittsburgh added right-hander José Urquidy on a one-year deal, a low-risk move with the potential for high reward if he can stay healthy and return to form. The bullpen got a jolt as well with the addition of Gregory Soto, a hard-throwing lefty who adds depth and late-inning experience to a group that needed both.
But while the new faces are important, what might be even more exciting for Pirates fans is what’s brewing internally-particularly on the mound.
Enter Bubba Chandler.
If you’re not familiar with the 23-year-old right-hander yet, now’s the time to get acquainted. Chandler was a standout two-way athlete in high school down in Georgia, committed to Clemson for both baseball and football before the Pirates snagged him in the third round of the 2021 MLB Draft. Since signing, he’s gone all-in on pitching-and the results are starting to turn heads.
Chandler has climbed the ranks to become MLB’s No. 11 overall prospect, and the second-ranked pitching prospect behind only the Mets’ Nolan McLean. That’s no small feat, especially considering the wave of elite young arms currently making their way through the minors.
With Paul Skenes off representing Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, Chandler will be front and center at Pirates camp this spring-and scouts will be watching closely. Why?
Because the stuff is electric. We’re talking about a fastball that sits at 99 mph and a pair of secondary pitches-a 92 mph changeup and an 89 mph slider-that held hitters to batting averages under .100 last season.
That’s not just good; that’s dominant.
Chandler got a brief taste of the majors in 2025, and while it was a small sample, he showed flashes of the upside that has the organization buzzing. Now, he’s looking to build on that momentum. If he takes the next step in his development, the Pirates could be looking at a formidable one-two punch at the top of their rotation with Chandler and Skenes-two power arms with frontline potential.
This spring will be a big test. Chandler has the tools.
He has the pedigree. And now, he has the opportunity.
For a Pirates team that’s been steadily assembling a foundation for the future, Chandler isn’t just another prospect. He could be a cornerstone.