Get ready to mark your calendars, baseball fans, because 2026 could be the year Bubba Chandler takes the MLB by storm. The Pittsburgh Pirates' right-handed phenom is stepping into a season that could define his career, and the buzz surrounding him is electric. But here's where it gets controversial: could Bubba Chandler really snag the National League Rookie of the Year Award? ESPN's AJ Mass thinks so, and he's not alone in his bold prediction.
Mass, a seasoned analyst, was already eyeing Chandler for the award last year, but the Pirates' late promotion kept him from making a full case. Still, Chandler's performance in the final stretch of 2025 hinted at his potential to become one of baseball's top young pitchers. Mass noted, 'I genuinely believed Chandler was a strong contender last year, but the Pirates held off on his call-up until late August. He still managed four wins in seven appearances—one more than Paul Skenes in the same period.'
Is Chandler that good? Mass admits there’s room for growth, especially after a nerve-wracked debut against the Braves where he gave up 9 earned runs in just 2⅔ innings. But if you look past that shaky start, his ERA drops to a stellar 1.57—a number that rivals Skenes' own impressive stats. And this is the part most people miss: Chandler’s late-season dominance wasn’t just luck. He showcased a blistering four-seam fastball averaging 98.9 mph, with peaks over 100 mph, paired with a devastating changeup (91.7 mph) and slider (89.0 mph). Batters hit just .080 against his changeup and .087 against his slider last season—numbers that scream elite potential.
But let’s not sugarcoat it: Chandler’s command needs work. He struggled against top-hitting teams, though he dominated weaker opponents with a mix of power and precision. If he can tighten his control and build on his 2025 momentum, there’s no reason he can’t follow in teammate Paul Skenes’ footsteps and take home the Rookie of the Year Award.
Now, let’s rewind to Chandler’s 2025 stint with the Pirates. Called up from Triple-A Indianapolis on August 22, he made an immediate impact. His MLB debut against the Colorado Rockies was nothing short of spectacular: four scoreless innings in a 9-0 shutout, earning a save. He followed that up with another four scoreless innings against the Cardinals, becoming the first Pirates pitcher to earn a save and a win in his first two outings.
Chandler’s journey wasn’t without bumps. He gave up two home runs against the Dodgers and had a disastrous start against the Brewers, surrendering 9 earned runs in just 2.2 innings. But he bounced back, finishing the season with just 6 hits, no walks, and 2 earned runs over his final 16.2 innings, striking out 19 batters. His near-perfect outing against the Nationals—5 flawless innings before giving up a run—showcased his resilience and potential.
By season’s end, Chandler had posted a 4-1 record over 7 appearances, a 4.02 ERA, 31 strikeouts, and a 0.93 WHIP. Not bad for a rookie, right? But the real question is: Can he sustain this momentum and silence the doubters in 2026?
Here’s the controversial part: While Chandler’s tools are undeniable, his command and consistency against top-tier teams remain a question mark. Is he truly ready to dominate the league, or will growing pains hold him back? And if he does win Rookie of the Year, will it be because of his raw talent or the Pirates’ strategic development?
What do you think? Is Bubba Chandler the real deal, or is this hype train headed for a derailment? Let us know in the comments below, and don’t forget to stay tuned to Pirates OnSI for all the latest updates, interviews, and insights on the Pittsburgh Pirates! (https://www.si.com/mlb/pirates)
