The Pittsburgh Pirates have been making moves this offseason, but they’re not just relying on trades and signings to shape their 2026 roster. There’s a real chance that youth will be served in Pittsburgh this spring - and two names are front and center in that conversation: Konnor Griffin and Bubba Chandler.
Let’s focus on Chandler for a moment. He’s not just another promising arm - he’s the 11th-ranked prospect in all of baseball, according to MLB Pipeline. That kind of pedigree doesn’t come lightly, and after getting a taste of the big leagues last season, the spotlight is squarely on him heading into camp.
Chandler made seven appearances in 2025, including four starts, and posted a 4-1 record with a 4.02 ERA. It wasn’t dominant, but it was more than enough to show flashes of what he could bring to a rotation that’s still looking for long-term stability.
He’s got the stuff - a mid-90s fastball, a sharp breaking ball, and the kind of mound presence that suggests he belongs. The question now is whether the Pirates are ready to give him a full runway.
There’s a growing sense around the league that Chandler’s time is now. Prospect analyst Jim Callis didn’t mince words, saying there’s a “100 percent chance” Chandler breaks camp with the big club.
His argument? Chandler’s development was stalled last year by spending too much time in Triple-A.
The tools are there, and at this point, it’s about giving him the opportunity to refine them against major league hitters.
Jonathan Mayo echoed that sentiment, though with a bit more caution. He pegged Chandler’s odds at 90 percent, citing the Pirates’ pitching depth as the only potential roadblock. Still, Mayo made it clear he’d be “shocked” if Chandler isn’t part of the Opening Day rotation.
To be clear, this isn’t a Paul Skenes situation - Chandler didn’t dominate the minors in quite the same way, and there’s still some polishing to do. But the Pirates don’t need him to be their ace right away.
If he makes the roster - and all signs point in that direction - he’ll likely slot in as the fourth or fifth starter. That’s a low-pressure role, ideal for easing a young arm into the grind of a full MLB season.
The Pirates have been patient with Chandler, but the clock may have finally struck go-time. With a rotation that could use a jolt of upside, and a fan base eager to see the future take the mound, Chandler has a real shot to make an early impact in 2026.