Bubba Chandler’s Explosive Entry into the MLB Scene
In a candid discussion with David Laurila of FanGraphs, Bubba Chandler, the rookie pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates, shared his insights from a whirlwind first month in Major League Baseball. Promoted on August 22, this 23-year-old from Bogart, Georgia, has already begun to make waves with a fastball that blazed at an average speed of 98.9 mph. Over 31.1 innings, Chandler showcased glimpses of the dominance that secured him a place among the top-100 prospects, finishing his inaugural MLB season with a 4.02 ERA and an impressive 0.93 WHIP, striking out 31 batters while walking just four.
Standing Out as a Rookie
Chandler’s performance leaves him eligible for rookie status through 2026, positioning him as a strong candidate for the National League Rookie of the Year as the next season approaches. While five of his seven appearances were remarkable, two outings revealed the harsh realities of major league competition. Facing formidable lineups like the Brewers and Dodgers, Chandler learned invaluable lessons that will shape his future on the mound.
The Mental Shift in Major League Baseball
Chandler articulated his initial observations with clarity: “I don’t want to say the game is harder, but it is definitely a lot more thinking.” The transition from Triple-A to the majors, he noted, demanded a heightened level of mental engagement. Each pitch now requires deliberate purpose, and Chandler quickly recognized that the margin for error in the big leagues is razor-thin.
He elaborated on this adjustment, pointing out the significant difference in the mental fortitude required at this level. “Up here,” he explained, “I’ve made a couple of mistake pitches that were hit pretty hard, whereas in Triple-A they might have gotten fouled off.” For Chandler, the focus has shifted to damage control: minimizing mistakes and effectively managing when they occur—whether with the bases empty or with runners on.
Command and Respect for Elite Hitters
At the core of Chandler’s insights lies a fundamental truth about command. “If you perfectly command the ball every pitch, you’re going to get good results pretty much. Right?” he pondered. However, he also expressed profound respect for the elite caliber of major league hitters, acknowledging that even the best pitches can be met with fierce competition. “At the same time, these are big league hitters. If you execute a fastball at the very top right corner, or the top left corner of the strike zone at 100 miles an hour, they can still hit a line drive back side. That’s the beauty of how hard this game is,” Chandler reflected.
Navigating the Challenges Ahead
As he prepares for the next chapter of his career, Chandler’s journey encapsulates the essence of what it means to be a rookie in the major leagues. With a powerful arm and a rapidly evolving mindset, he is poised to make a significant impact in the seasons to come. The lessons learned during this initial stretch will undoubtedly serve him well as he navigates the complexities of professional baseball.
