Chandler adds mix to upper-90s heat in stellar Spring Breakout start
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- In the inaugural Spring Breakout game a year ago, as he was coming out to pitch the ninth inning, Bubba Chandler slammed a Red Bull and declared “let’s do this” before pumping upper-90s heat.
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- In the inaugural Spring Breakout game a year ago, as he was coming out to pitch the ninth inning, Bubba Chandler slammed a Red Bull and declared “let’s do this” before pumping upper-90s heat.
This year, the Pirates’ top prospect got to start the Spring Breakout game Friday at BayCare Ballpark, a 5-3 Bucs loss, and while he brought the heat again, the pregame routine was slightly modified.
“Red Bulls don’t have any milligrams of caffeine, which is good, but I crushed a C4 today,” Chandler said with a grin. “So, yeah, changed it up a little, but it was cool. Starting it is a lot better than closing it, I will say.”
Chandler, the No. 15 prospect in the game according to MLB Pipeline, set the pace for all other top pitching prospects with his performance Friday. After joking with Phillies prospect Justin Crawford pregame that he was going to start with a changeup, he instead opted for five straight fastballs, finishing with a 98.5 mph four-seamer that caught the outer part of the zone for a called third strike. Chandler would end up throwing two perfect innings, striking out four with two ground-ball outs.
It was a showcase of why this 22-year-old right-hander has blossomed into the top young pitcher in this iteration of the Pirates’ pitching development machine. It’s not just because he flirted with triple digits on the radar gun or struck out two Top 100 prospects (Crawford and Eduardo Tait), but also in what we saw in his at-bat against right fielder Gabriel Rincones Jr. in the second inning. With the count full, Chandler didn’t go back to the fastball, but rather wanted to challenge himself and threw a changeup. Rincones froze and Chandler struck him out.
“Just growing as a pitcher, fastballs can get you through levels, but at the same time, in the big leagues, you've got to be able to mix, and that's kind of my thought behind everything," Chandler said. "[At] 3-2, put yourself in an uncomfortable situation. I love my changeup, I can control it pretty well, let's throw it 3-2. And [catcher] Omar [Alfonzo], me and him are on the same page. He called it, I didn't have to shake to it, and then I executed."
2.0 IP
— Young Bucs (@YoungBucsPIT) March 14, 2025
0 H
0 R
0 BB
4 K
Bubba Chandler was lights out in the Spring Breakout 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/VLzKbgA2De
Don’t be mistaken, the extra cheddar on his fastball is a big plus too. Chandler threw 11 fastballs at least 98.5 mph, or 99 if you’re into rounding or what flashes up on the screen.
“I’m just really trying to be like Jared Jones,” Chandler said. “But, it was cool. I looked up there, I usually look once an inning just to see where I’m at, just to see if I’m a little sluggish. I looked up there one time and saw it and I’m like, ‘Oh, nice.’”
Chandler tried to be like Jones in another way this spring and try to crack the Opening Day roster. That didn’t happen, as the Pirates reassigned him to Minor League camp on March 6. The Pirates didn’t have enough innings for all of the pitchers they had in camp, and Chandler didn’t make the cut.
That doesn’t at all reflect what the organization thinks about him, and in all likelihood, he’s going to be in the Major Leagues at some point this season.
“My money is on this kid,” Pirates manager Derek Shelton said after Chandler was sent down. “He's tough, he's resilient. He takes challenges and he's going to be a really good Major League pitcher."
Friday was a small taste of what he can do in those situations and perform against the best of his contemporaries. A year ago, he was closing out a Spring Breakout game that Paul Skenes started. The two are close and work out together in the offseason, and he’s been the team’s top prospect ever since Skenes graduated, following in his footsteps.
“Having to follow a guy like Paul is, I won't say tough, but I think I can do it,” Chandler said.
📩 SUBSCRIBE TO THE BASEBALL TRAVELER NEWSLETTER
Other notable performances Friday include:
Omar Alfonzo: The Pirates' No. 19 prospect went 1-for-3 with a double and a run, and the starting catcher crushed the ball each of his three times to the plate, registering exit velocities of 108.6 mph, 106.5 mph and 104.2 mph.
Tsung-Che Cheng: The Bucs' No. 17 prospect went 2-for-4 with a walk and an RBI single in the fifth inning that put the Pirates on the board.
Hunter Barco: The club's No. 7 prospect struck out one over two innings of one-run ball. The southpaw touched 97 mph on the radar gun and got five called strikes with his sinker.
Alex Stumpf covers the Pirates for MLB.com.
FredNats Announce 2025 Promotional Schedule and Single-Game Tickets
FREDERICKSBURG, VA - The Fredericksburg Nationals are thrilled to announce the jam-packed 2025 promotional schedule, bringing unique and special experiences each night at Virginia Credit Union Stadium. The top entertainment destination in the greater Fredericksburg area is getting even better with a record number of giveaways (19), firework shows (19)
FredNats Unveil New Frogs Alternate Identity In Special Announcement
FREDERICKSBURG, VA - The Fredericksburg Nationals, in partnership with the Fredericksburg Area Museum, Germanna Community College, and Dovetail Cultural Resource Group/Mead & Hunt – are proud to announce a new alternate uniform identity honoring the rich history of African American involvement in baseball in the Fredericksburg region.
Honoring Black Baseball History in Fredericksburg – FredNats and Partners to Reveal “Hoppy” New Uniforms on February 27th
FREDERICKSBURG, VA - The Fredericksburg Nationals in partnership with the Fredericksburg Area Museum, Germanna Community College, and Dovetail Cultural Resource Group/Mead & Hunt – are proud to announce an upcoming event honoring the rich history of African American involvement in baseball in the Fredericksburg region. It is an expansion of
Nationals Announce 2025 FredNats Coaching Staff
FREDERICKSBURG, VA - The Washington Nationals have announced the 2025 FredNat coaching staff, with Billy McMillon taking over as the third Manager in franchise history in Fredericksburg's fifth year of affiliation with Washington. Pitching Coach Justin Lord, Hitting Coach Mike Habas and Athletic Trainer Jacob Meyer all return from the
FredNats Holiday Bundles Are Available Now
Fredericksburg, VA- We have just the gift to kick off your holiday shopping: a FredNats holiday bundle! Give the gift of FredNats baseball with 10 ticket vouchers* and a FredNats hat!
UVA and Maryland Baseball Set to Clash at VACU Stadium
FREDERICKSBURG, VA - Former ACC rivals Virginia and Maryland have scheduled a non-conference matchup at Fredericksburg's Virginia Credit Union Stadium on Tuesday, March 11th at 5:35 p.m. This marks the first time VACU Stadium will host a collegiate baseball game.
FredNats Announce 2025 Home Game Times
FREDERICKSBURG, VA - Following the 2024 Carolina League championship season, the Fredericksburg Nationals announce 2025 home game times with several changes from previous seasons.
Book Your Group During the Month of November for the Opportunity to Win a Prize
Fredericksburg, VA- Introducing Fredsgiving! For the first time ever, the FredNats are offering a special month-long promotion during November for group outings. Any group that books an outing or hospitality area during the month will be entered to win a prize!
Taylor and Krick Earn MiLB Awards
FREDERICKSBURG, VA - Following the 2024 Carolina League Championship season on the field for the FredNats, members of the front office staff are being recognized as Major League Baseball announced its Groundskeeper and Clubhouse Manager of the Year awards for each Minor League circuit.
Renew Your Ticket Plan for 2025
Fredericksburg, VA- Claim your seats for 2025! Renew your ticket plan and be back at Virginia Credit Union Stadium to see the reigning Carolina League Champions all season long.
Fifth Annual Fall Fest Set For Friday, October 25th
FREDERICKSBURG, VA - Don't miss the fifth annual FredNats Fall Fest at Virginia Credit Union Stadium! Bring the whole family for an evening of fun on Friday, October 25th!
Sykora Named First Team All-MiLB Prospect for 2024
FREDERICKSBURG, VA - After leading the FredNats to their first Carolina League championship in Fredericksburg, Minor League Baseball and MLB Pipeline have named FredNat starting pitcher Travis Sykora to the First Team All-MiLB Prospect Team. Sykora adds to an impressive list of accolades in his first professional season, which included
FredNats have to play two to win first crown since move
FREDERICKSBURG, Va. -- The Nationals' Single-A affiliate has a new entry in its history book. Fredericksburg took home its first Carolina League title since relocating from Potomac in 2020. After rain postponed Game 2 on Tuesday, the FredNats hosted Kannapolis in a seven-inning doubleheader for the championship on Wednesday. After
FREDNATS WIN CAROLINA LEAGUE
FREDERICKSBURG, VA - After dropping game two of the series as part of a doubleheader, the Fredericksburg Nationals won game three to become Carolina League Champions in 2024. After a rainout, games two and three of the Championship Series were played as a doubleheader. Game two (game one of the
Sykora Wins Carolina League Pitcher of the Year
FREDERICKSBURG, VA - FredNat starting pitcher Travis Sykora has been named the Carolina League's Pitcher of the Year in 2024, Minor League Baseball announced today. Sykora and the FredNats aim to finish off the campaign with the first league championship in Fredericksburg franchise history tonight.
FredNats and Cannon Ballers Postponed in Game Two
FREDERICKSBURG, VA - Game two of tonight's Carolina League Championship Series between Fredericksburg and Kannapolis has been postponed due to weather. The two teams will play a potential doubleheader tomorrow with game one beginning at 5:05 p.m. Both games will be seven innings. If Fredericksburg wins the first game, they
FXBG Triumps in Game One over Kannapolis
KANNAPOLIS, NC - The FredNats secured a thrilling game one of the Carolina League Championship Series, taking down the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers 6-4. After both starters worked 1-2-3 in the first inning, the FredNats struck in the top of the second. Kevin Bazzell smacked a leadoff single, moved to second
FredNats Sweep Mudcats, Punch Ticket to Championship
ZEBULON, NC - The FredNats punched their ticket to the Carolina League Championship Series with a 5-2 win over the Carolina Mudcats. FXBG awaits the winner of the Kannapolis-Charleston series. Seaver King staked the Nats to an early lead, with his RBI groundout in the top of the first inning
Nats Score Four Unanswered to Secure Game One
FREDERICKSBURG, VA - The Nationals scored four unanswered runs to take down Carolina 7-6, in game one of the North divisional series. Fredericksburg is now one win away from the championship series. FXBG jumped on Carolina starter Daniel Corniel; Brenner Cox led off the first inning with a single, and
FredNats Close Regular Season in Winning Fashion
FREDERICKSBURG, VA - The FredNats wrapped up their 2024 regular season with a 7-2 win over the Lynchburg Hillcats. FXBG finishes the year 39-26 (74-57), and Lynchburg ends at 30-33 (67-62). The Nats manufactured a run in the home half of the third inning. Kelvin Diaz singled, stole second base,
Lynchburg Nabs Second Straight Win
FREDERICKSBURG, VA - Lynchburg picked up their second win of the week, handing the FredNats a 5-1 defeat. FXBG is now 38-26 (73-57), and Lynchburg is 30-32 (67-61). The Hillcats grabbed an early lead with a couple of RBI singles in the top of the second inning, but Nate Ochoa
Hillcats Take Down Nats
FREDERICKSBURG, VA - The Nats grabbed another early lead, but this one didn’t last as the Hillcats picked up their first win of the week, 9-5. FXBG is now 38-25 (73-56), and the ‘Cats are 29-32 (66-61). Kevin Bazzell and Sam Petersen each delivered RBI singles in the first inning
FredNats Win the North, Clinch Playoffs
FREDERICKSBURG, VA - The Nats retired the final twenty Lynchburg hitters of the game, to wrap up a 4-1 win. FXBG is 38-24 (73-55) while the Hillcats are 28-32 (65-61). The win, combined with a Salem loss, meant that Fredericksburg secured a second half playoff spot. Caleb Lomavita got the
Sykora Wins Carolina League August Pitcher of the Month
FREDERICKSBURG, VA - FredNat starting pitcher Travis Sykora has been named the Carolina League's Pitcher of the Month for August, Minor League Baseball announced today. Sykora is the second straight FredNat hurler to win Pitcher of the Month after Marc Davis won the honor for July.
Nats Inch Closer to Playoff Berth with 4-1 Win
FREDERICKSBURG, VA - Neither pitching staff allowed an earned run, but the Freddies came away with a 4-1 victory. FXBG is now 37-24 (72-55), and the Hillcats are 28-31 (65-60). The Nationals broke through with a run in the bottom of the third inning. Nate Ochoa and Cristhian Vaquero each