Pirates Promote Top Pitching Prospect Bubba Chandler to MLB Bullpen

The Pittsburgh Pirates have promoted 22-year-old right-hander Bubba Chandler, MLB's top pitching prospect, ahead of their game against the Colorado Rockies, adding him to a pitching staff that includes 2024 NL Rookie of the Year Paul Skenes. Although Chandler has primarily been a starting pitcher in the minors, the Pirates will initially use him in a bulk bullpen role to ease his transition to the major leagues, similar to the approach taken with rookie Braxton Ashcraft earlier this season. Pirates manager Don Kelly emphasized the importance of Chandler learning from major league teammates and staff while working out of the bullpen before moving into the starting rotation. Chandler's promotion comes as the Pirates are out of playoff contention and focused on developing promising young talent for the future. The cautious use of Chandler preserves his rookie status for 2026, potentially allowing the Pirates to benefit from a prospect promotion incentive if he performs well. Overall, the move highlights the Pirates' strategy to nurture their pitching prospects gradually to build a stronger pitching rotation for the coming seasons.