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The Pittsburgh Pirates have several rookies who appear poised to break out this year, including Konnor Griffin, Jhostynxon Garcia and Bubba Chandler.
While Griffin and Garcia have a chance to impact the lineup, Chandler is looking to give the starting rotation a boost after flashing his potential late last season.
The 23-year-old righty debuted last August and pitched well down the stretch, going 4-1 with a 4.02 ERA, a 0.93 WHIP and a 2.66 FIP. He also showcased terrific command with 31 strikeouts against just four walks in 31 1/3 innings.
Will Chandler build off that success in 2026? Eno Sarris of The Athletic believes he can, naming Chandler as one of his top pitching breakout candidates this year.
“Chandler has an abundance of weapons against lefties,” Sarris writes. “Could he throw the changeup right-on-right in order to get whiffs against righties? His minor-league track record says yes.”
Many MLB analysts are high on Chandler coming into this season, including Keith Law. He’s expected to secure a rotation spot and hit the ground running.
Chandler certainly has the stuff to succeed, and having some MLB experience helps. There are high expectations for his first full Major League season, so time will tell if he lives up to the hype.
More Pirates: Pirates Will Face 2-Time All-Star Pitcher On Opening Day
The post Pirates Rookie Pitcher Named 2026 Breakout Candidate appeared first on SportsNet Pittsburgh.
Continue reading...
While Griffin and Garcia have a chance to impact the lineup, Chandler is looking to give the starting rotation a boost after flashing his potential late last season.
The 23-year-old righty debuted last August and pitched well down the stretch, going 4-1 with a 4.02 ERA, a 0.93 WHIP and a 2.66 FIP. He also showcased terrific command with 31 strikeouts against just four walks in 31 1/3 innings.
Will Chandler build off that success in 2026? Eno Sarris of The Athletic believes he can, naming Chandler as one of his top pitching breakout candidates this year.
“Chandler has an abundance of weapons against lefties,” Sarris writes. “Could he throw the changeup right-on-right in order to get whiffs against righties? His minor-league track record says yes.”
Many MLB analysts are high on Chandler coming into this season, including Keith Law. He’s expected to secure a rotation spot and hit the ground running.
Chandler certainly has the stuff to succeed, and having some MLB experience helps. There are high expectations for his first full Major League season, so time will tell if he lives up to the hype.
More Pirates: Pirates Will Face 2-Time All-Star Pitcher On Opening Day
The post Pirates Rookie Pitcher Named 2026 Breakout Candidate appeared first on SportsNet Pittsburgh.
Continue reading...
