Examining how dominant the Indianapolis Indians' Opening Day rotation will be in 2025

These past few drafts and international signing periods have allowed the Pirates to bolster their pitching depth throughout their minor leagues. In fact, three of the Pirates' consensus top five prospects are pitchers who are on the brink of joining the big league team in Pittsburgh.

For now though, they are set to be a part of a remarkably strong starting rotation in Triple-A. The Indianapolis Indians barely missed a playoff bid in 2024, but with this strong pitching staff, there is a greater chance that they make it next year.

Who will be a part of a dominant pitching staff for the Indianapolis Indians, the Pirates' Triple-A affiliate?

Bubba Chandler

The Pirates' No. 1 prospect has a chance of earning a spot in Pittsburgh this Spring, but he has not won it yet. As of right now, it is looking like Bubba Chandler will be the ace in Indianapolis to start the season.

Between Double-A and Triple-A last season, Chandler posted an earned run average of 3.08 in 119.2 innings pitched and struck out 148 batters. Opposing hitters had a batting average of just .189 against him and his WHIP sat at 1.02.

Chandler brings four pitches, and each of them were only tracked by statcast during his 39.1 innings with Indianapolis. First is his fastball, which sits around 97 miles an hour and has shut down opposing hitters. Opponents have an expected batting average (xBA) of .174, expected slugging percentage (xSLG) of .281, and a whiff rate of 30.5% against the offering.

Chandler also has solid breaking pitches. His slider sits around 87 miles per hour with 35.9 inches of downward movement. Opponents have an xBA of .205, xSLG of .280, and a whiff rate of 32.4% against the pitch. His curveball is not used often, but also limited batters to an xSLG of .172 in a small sample size.

Lastly is his changeup, which has a 28.4 inches of downward movement and 6.1 inches of vertical movement. It is his highest whiff pitch at 41.2%, along with an xBA of .120 and an xSLG of .169.

Chandler is a very impressive prospect with the talents to be at the top of the Pirates rotation. As of right now, he is leading Indianapolis' rotation and should be one of the best pitchers to start the year in Triple-A next season.