Bubba Chandler Poised for Pirates Rotation Spot

Pirates pitcher Bubba Chandler, who posted a 1.83 ERA in Triple-A in 2024 and a 4.02 ERA with a low walk rate in his initial MLB stint last season, is likely to secure an Opening Day rotation spot. Despite a dip in his numbers, his underlying 2.66 FIP suggests potential for positive regression. Chandler, considered to have ace upside, is a strong contender for the 2026 NL Rookie of the Year award.