Paul Skenes’ impact on Bubba Chandler goes far beyond baseball

Paul Skenes' aura of excellence extends beyond the baseball diamond, and it sounds like he's teaching this comprehensive approach to Pittsburgh Pirates pitching prospect Bubba Chandler.

In an interview with Foul Territory this week, Chandler revealed that Skenes has helped him with nutrition and off-the-field habits. It's obvious that Chandler appreciates the guidance Skenes has offered. "I'm not afraid to say it — (Skenes has) helped me a lot," Chandler said. "I love him to death."

While Chandler was toeing the line of sentimentality here with his remarks on Skenes, he's also been known to throw competitive jabs at Skenes, who is always prepared to return the favor.

A friendship between the two talented right-handers has quickly bloomed, and that bond in many ways revolves around their shared desire to crush opposing batting lineups.

Paul Skenes' mentorship of Bubba Chandler isn't just about baseball

Skenes, of course, has already shown that he can consistently do that at the highest level. The reigning National League Cy Young winner has a case for being called the best pitcher in the world right now, and he didn't do anything in the recent World Baseball Classic to detract from that label (plus, Team USA's loss likely lit a fire under him heading in 2026).

What's most remarkable about Skenes is how quickly he's risen to such lofty heights. Skenes was immediately impactful as a rookie, and it's wild to think that he's still just 23 years old (less than four months older than Chandler).

Beyond his generational pitching talent, Skenes' psyche has handled the intense spotlight of overnight fame quite admirably. There is a flurry of non-baseball pressures and distractions that come with having greatness heaped upon you at such a young age. Pro athletes as rare as Skenes often allow the onslaught of exterior noises to infiltrate their interior world, but Skenes has -- by the looks of it, anyway -- remained rock-solid throughout his rapid ascent.

Whatever it is about Skenes' mental makeup that allows for such sturdiness, Chandler will surely benefit from being around. Again, while everyone gets carried away with the physical gifts possessed by guys like Chandler and Skenes, pitching is, at the end of the day, a mental game at the highest level of its craft.

With Chandler learning under Skenes' wing when it comes to off-the-field prep work and general lifestyle, the Pirates have to be thrilled about the possibilities surrounding Chandler's ongoing development.

And if Chandler ultimately fulfills a large chunk of his potential and becomes a reliable rotational piece for Pittsburgh, the Pirates will have the makings of one of baseball's premier staffs.