PITTSBURGH — The wait for Bubba is over.
Per source, the Pirates will select the contract of Bubba Chandler on Friday ahead of their contest against the Rockies at PNC Park. The right-hander is ranked as the No. 7 prospect in the game, according to MLB Pipeline, and is the top pitching prospect in baseball.
The team has not confirmed the move.
Chandler will initially be used as a bulk reliever, but he’ll have an opportunity to earn starts in the Majors in 2025. The club views him as a starting pitcher long-term, but this is consistent with the role and expectations of other pitchers who have been promoted this year, like Braxton Ashcraft.
Chandler — who will turn 23 on Sept. 14 — got off to a fast start this season, but he has struggled with command the last few months, resulting in a 5-6 record with a 4.05 ERA over 100 innings with Triple-A Indianapolis.
A corresponding roster move will be made on Friday.
