Bubba Chandler, one of the Pittsburgh Pirates‘ most promising pitching prospects, isn’t afraid to stir the competitive fire within the team’s rotation. Shortly after Paul Skenes was officially named the club’s Opening Day starter for 2025, Chandler wasted no time making his ambitions clear.
Rather than simply congratulating Skenes, the 22-year-old right-hander sent a bold yet playful message to his teammate.
“It’s going to be a real bummer when you’re starting Day 2 next year,” he said.
While it may have been lighthearted banter, it also hinted at the growing competition within Pittsburgh’s young pitching staff.
Skenes took the message in stride, knowing that rivalry within a team can fuel greatness, and Chandler‘s challenge only reflects the culture of ambition that is being built within the Pirates‘ clubhouse.
A growing battle for the ace role
Skenes’ selection as the Opening Day starter came as no surprise. The highly touted rookie put together a remarkable first season, finishing with an 11-3 record, a 1.96 ERA, and 170 strikeouts over 133 innings.
His dominance on the mound made it an easy decision for the Pirates to hand him the ball to start the season.
But Chandler, a former two-way player who fully committed to pitching, has been steadily rising through the minor league ranks. His explosive fastball and sharp breaking pitches have caught the attention of scouts and fans alike.
The Pirates have long struggled to establish a true ace at the top of their rotation, but that may soon change. With Skenes already proving he belongs and Chandler working his way up, the team could finally have multiple homegrown arms capable of leading them into a more competitive era.
While talking a big game is one thing, Chandler will need to prove himself on the mound before he can truly challenge Skenes.
If he dominates at Triple-A next season, a call-up could be on the horizon. From there, a strong major league debut could put him in the mix for the 2026 Opening Day start.
However, dethroning Skenes won’t be easy. The reigning NL Rookie of the Year has all the tools to establish himself as the Pirates’ ace for years to come, assuming he continues his development and stays healthy.
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