When is Bubba Chandler getting called up? Will Bubba Chandler pitch in April of this MLB season? Read about Bubba Chandler's debut date and fantasy baseball prospect updates for 2025.
Pittsburgh Pirates top prospect Bubba Chandler continues to impress in the minors. Despite struggling a bit with command in 2023, Chandler broke out in a big way last season. That strong campaign catapulted the right-hander up prospect rankings entering the 2025 campaign.
As a result, Chandler is someone fantasy managers should be keeping an eye on at this point in the season. There was a case to be made for him to make the Pirates' Opening Day roster, and he has looked solid so far in his first three Triple-A starts this year.
But when are the Pirates going to call up Chandler? Can we expect him to make his debut in May? Let's dive in and find out.
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Bubba Chandler Prospect Update for Fantasy Baseball
It was just one year ago that Chandler was ranked as MLB's No. 94 overall prospect. However, things quickly changed, as the right-hander had a strong all-around season in 2024. He finished with a combined 3.08 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, and 148 strikeouts across 26 games (23 starts) at Double-A and Triple-A.
Chandler truly had a breakout campaign last season, and his strong numbers have continued into 2025. The 22-year-old has a 1.69 ERA and 18 strikeouts in his first three starts with Triple-A Indianapolis this year.
Top #Pirates prospect Bubba Chandler has a 1.69 ERA with 18 strikeouts over 10 2/3 innings this season.@USAFRecruiting #AimHigh pic.twitter.com/ePrkSmKCRF
— Indianapolis Indians (@indyindians) April 15, 2025
Given how well Chandler has pitched at the Triple-A level, it's only a matter of time until the Pirates call him up. The right-hander has allowed just 10 runs in 50 innings of work (1.80 ERA) with 72 strikeouts across 10 career Triple-A starts. As a result, MLB Pipeline's No. 14 overall prospect could find himself on the big league roster by the beginning of June.
Bubba Chandler Outlook for Fantasy Baseball
While we don't know when Chandler will officially make his debut, there's a good chance his promotion will come within the next few months. He has looked fantastic on the mound in his first three starts this year and could make an immediate impact in the majors. The Pirates prospect has an elite fastball that tops out at 101 mph with an above-average slider.
Bubba Chandler touched 101.5 mph yesterday 🔥🔥🔥
That’s the hardest pitch thrown by a MLB or Triple-A starting pitcher this year, equalling Hunter Greene’s velo.
(🎥 @YoungBucsPIT)
— Baseball America (@BaseballAmerica) April 14, 2025
Therefore, fantasy managers should be looking to stash him in most fantasy leagues. He will be called up at some point in 2025, and there's no reason he can't be a strong fantasy option on Day 1. With the Pirates already sitting at 6-12 on the season, we could see Chandler in the big leagues before we know it.
Top Prospect Rankings and Call-Up ETAs
You can also check out the rest of RotoBaller's fantasy baseball prospect rankings. Eric Cross updates the below rankings weekly for the top impact prospects for 2025, and when they may be called up:
Rank | Player | Pos | Team | ETA |
1 | Nick Kurtz | 1B | ATH | May |
2 | Roman Anthony | OF | BOS | May |
3 | Bubba Chandler | SP | PIT | May |
4 | Zebby Matthews | SP | MIN | April |
5 | Jordan Lawlar | SS | ARI | May |
6 | Agustin Ramirez | C | MIA | May |
7 | Chandler Simpson | OF | TBR | May |
8 | Dalton Rushing | C/OF | LAD | May |
9 | Kyle Teel | C | CHW | May |
10 | Andrew Painter | SP | PHI | July |
11 | Caleb Durbin | INF | MIL | May |
12 | Caden Dana | SP | LAA | May |
13 | Brandon Sproat | SP | NYM | May |
14 | Coby Mayo | 3B | BAL | June |
15 | Emmanuel Rodriguez | OF | MIN | June |
16 | Rhett Lowder | SP | CIN | June |
17 | Chase DeLauter | OF | CLE | June |
18 | Colson Montgomery | SS | CHW | June |
19 | Jac Caglianone | 1B | KCR | July |
20 | Marcelo Mayer | SS | BOS | July |
21 | Samuel Basallo | C | BAL | July |
22 | Luke Keaschall | 2B | MIN | June |
23 | Colby Thomas | OF | ATH | June |
24 | Christian Moore | 2B | LAA | June |
25 | Quinn Mathews | SP | STL | June |
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