Paul Skenes winning the National League Rookie of the Year was massive for the Pirates, representing the first time in 20 years they'd had a winner (Jason Bay, you rule). That huge piece of history for Pittsburgh could get even more impressive in 2025 with the arrival of their No. 1 prospect.
Bubba Chandler is projected to be the next star pitcher for the Pirates, and that includes being in contention for a Rookie of the Year award in Skenes' wake. That would make back-to-back winners of the award, which was something last accomplished by the Dodgers a decade ago.
MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo believes that such a thing is very realistic, thoughRoki Sasaki in the National League will make it tougher for Chandler. Nonetheless, if he has a dominant year like he showed he is capable of in Triple-A, then this award is very much in reach for him.
MLB.com predicts Bubba Chandler to be the Pirates' second straight Rookie of the Year winner.
Last season in Double-A and Triple-A, Chandler posted an earned run average of 3.08 with a FIP of 3.10 across 119.2 innings and struck out 148 batters. Opponents batted .187 against him, and he walked hitters at a 8.6% clip to generate a WHIP of 1.02. Those numbers are excellent and if he can do that at the major league level, this award is well within reach.
He developed very well in 2024, producing the lowest walk rate of his professional career. His stuff is excellent too, and the added control he's displayed recently makes his stuff play even better. His upper-90s fastball and dominant offspeed slider and changeup represent a fully fleshed-out arsenal.
It is unknown if Chandler will start the season in the big leagues, but he should definitely find his way to Pittsburgh at some point. When he does, he will begin competing for the Rookie of the Year award immediately. He is starting to get recognition for what he has accomplished in the minor leagues, and is projected to compete for, and possibly win, this award in 2025.