Pittsburgh Pirates: Three Prospects Pushing for Ratings Bump

RHP/DH/SS Bubba Chandler

Last year, the Pittsburgh Pirates used three of their first four draft picks on over-slot selections. One of those picks was Bubba Chandler, a third-round selection out of North Oconee High School. Going into the 2021 draft, many had Chandler going in the first 20 picks. A two-way standout, Chandler flashed 20/20 potential with a plus glove at shortstop and a fastball that topped out in the mid-90s before his 18th birthday.

Teams were wary of his signability because of Chandler’s commitment to Clemson, but he turned down that opportunity, instead signing for $3 million with the Pirates. The signing bonus the Pittsburgh Pirates handed Chandler was the highest amount given to any draft pick post-first round in the 2021 draft.

It’s a small sample size, but Chandler is living up to the hype of being a two-way prospect so far. Between the FCL and A-Ball Bradenton, Chandler has 37 plate appearances, where he has racked up eight hits and nine walks. Five of those eight hits have gone for extra bases (a double, triple, and three round-trippers). On the pitching side of things, he’s reeled off 15.1 scoreless innings and has struck out 27 of the 59 total batters he has faced.

Chandler has displayed a plus fastball with good breaking and off-speed stuff. His power and athleticism have been on display at the plate and on the basepaths. Chandler has only played at pitcher and designated hitter so far this season. That’s understandable, given that shortstop is one of the most physically demanding positions on the diamond. There’s a chance the Pirates could move him to another position to preserve his health and keep his athleticism and fielding ability in play on the field.

Either way, Chandler will be a top 100 prospect at some point in the very near future. He was a projected first-round pick who is a two-way prospect, excelling at both so far in his young professional career. He might only be 19 years old, but you have to consider this is potentially a once-in-a-lifetime kind of talent.