Chandler named Early Contender for 2025 Rookie of the Year

S. Samek

It’s not long after Paul Skenes won the 2024 National League Rookie of the Year Award that the shift moves to the rookie class of 2025. The early list of candidates for the award includes another top Pittsburgh Pirates pitching prospect.

Bubba Chandler, who currently ranks has the number one prospect in the Pirates system was named as an early candidate for the award. Chandler had a strong season in 2024 going 10-7 with a 3.08 ERA across 26 games pitched. He started in 23 games and had one save between Double-A Altoona and Triple-A Indianapolis. He also was selected to the Futures Game this year as well as winning an International League Pitcher of the week award.

It would be great to see Chandler develop into a Rookie of the Year award winner next season. Him going on a similar trajectory to Skenes would really help the Pirates in 2025. Though I see him not making the club out of spring training, like Jared Jones did in 2024. I could see him join the Pirates in around May of 2025 if everything goes well in Triple-A.

Yet I don’t think it will be too much longer till he joins the big-league rotation. I can’t wait to see what happens come spring training. Yet for now good to see Chandler on a list of top candidates for an award.