The Pittsburgh Pirates are poised for another exciting season with the anticipated debut of top pitching prospect Bubba Chandler, following Paul Skenes' successful rookie campaign. Chandler, who is regarded as the Pirates' premier prospect, recently showcased his talent at Triple-A Indianapolis, where he achieved a remarkable 4-0 record with a 1.83 ERA in seven starts.

Experts like Tom Verducci and Jonathan Mayo have high hopes for Chandler, predicting he could win the National League Rookie of the Year in 2025. Chandler's impressive stats, including 148 strikeouts over 119.2 innings, suggest he is ready to make an impact at the major league level.

The Pittsburgh Pirates are poised to introduce several promising pitching prospects to the major leagues in 2025, notably right-hander Thomas Harrington. Alongside fellow top prospects Bubba Chandler and Braxton Ashcraft, Harrington expresses enthusiasm about joining the team and contributing to a winning culture.

Ranked fifth in the Pirates' system, Harrington has had a stellar minor league season, boasting a 2.61 ERA and 115 strikeouts in 22 games. He aims to secure a permanent spot in the majors upon his debut.

Bubba Chandler has emerged as the standout pitching prospect in the Pittsburgh Pirates' farm system, earning the title of the franchise's top pitching prospect and ranking No. 15 overall in MLB Pipeline's list.

With a 3.08 ERA and leading the system in strikeouts, Chandler's performance improved throughout the season, particularly in Triple-A Indianapolis where he went 4-0 with a 1.83 ERA. His success, alongside fellow prospects Thomas Harrington and Braxton Ashcraft, solidifies the Pirates' reputation for having a deep pool of pitching talent.

The Pittsburgh Pirates must prioritize improving their bullpen for the 2025 season after a disappointing performance in 2023, where they ranked 27th in ERA and blew 36 leads.

David Bednar's struggles as a closer and the uncertainty surrounding free agents like Aroldis Chapman highlight the need for change. Fortunately, the Pirates' farm system boasts several promising pitching prospects, including top prospect Bubba Chandler, who could help bolster the roster.

With a surplus of starting pitchers in the minors, the team faces tough decisions on how to utilize their talent effectively. While free agency may not be a primary focus, adding a veteran reliever could still be beneficial.