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.
14 Trash Pandas, plus broadcaster Josh Caray preparing for Angels Spring Break out game against Cubs on Saturday
Major League Baseball and Minor League Baseball announced on MLB Network the Los Angeles Angels roster for the 2nd annual Spring Breakout, with 14 Rocket City Trash Pandas named to the roster. The Angels’ top prospects will compete on Saturday, March 15 at 8:05 pm CT against the top prospects
Trash Pandas partner with Angels to launch "Trash Panda For a Day Program"
MADISON, Ala. — The Trash Panda For a Day program is launching this season in partnership with the LA Angels and with an exciting initiative to support youth in the community. Each month, one elementary or middle school student will have the opportunity to spend a day with the Trash
Harris to join Trash Pandas Broadcast Team for 2025
MADISON, Alabama — The Rocket City Trash Pandas are pleased to announce the addition of Southern League veteran Chris Harris to its broadcast booth. The two-time winner of the Southern League’s Broadcaster of the Year will partner with Director of Broadcasting Josh Caray for the 2025 season. “I am thrilled
Trash Pandas Announce 2025 Coaching Staff
MADISON, Alabama — In conjunction with the Los Angeles Angels, the Rocket City Trash Pandas today unveiled the 2025 on-field coaching staff, led by returning Manager Andy Schatzley. “I’m honored to have the opportunity to return to the Trash Pandas and be a part of best-run affiliate in Minor League
Tickets on sale now for the 2025 Meet the Team Dinner on April 1
MADISON, Ala. — Exciting news! You can now grab your chance to meet the 2025 Rocket City Trash Pandas before Opening Night. Tickets for the 2025 Meet the Team Dinner are officially on sale! The annual dinner will take place at Toyota Field on Tuesday, April 1, from 5:30-7:30 pm.
Adjusted Game Times, Dates Announced for Rocket City Softball Showcase
MADISON, Alabama — With temperatures plunging in North Alabama, Rocket City Softball Showcase event officials have announced additional changes to the event schedule. Mississippi and North Alabama will begin the three-day slate at Toyota Field beginning at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, February 21st. The Auburn Tigers will make their Showcase
Trash Pandas Announce 2025 Weekly Promotions
MADISON, Ala. — The Rocket City Trash Pandas are over the moon to introduce new additions and bring back fan-favorite weekly promotions for the fifth season of baseball at Toyota Field. TUESDAYS – LADIES NIGHTS Each six-game series starts with Ladies Night on Tuesdays! Women in attendance can enter to
Schedule Change for UNA vs. Army College Baseball This Weekend at Toyota Field
Due to the projected weather forecast, the three-game series between the North Alabama Lions and the Army Black Knights has been adjusted from its original schedule. The schools will now play two nine-inning contests on Friday, February 14th, beginning at 2 p.m. The second game will start approximately 45 minutes
2025 Specialty Jersey Fundraisers, Supply Drives, & Community Initiatives
MADISON, Ala. — The Rocket City Trash Pandas will host seven specialty jersey fundraisers, four donation drives, and additional community outreach nights to benefit local non-profit organizations during the 2025 season at Toyota Field. “Specialty Jersey nights combine community outreach and in-game entertainment,” said Trash Pandas Executive Vice President Lindsey
Trash Pandas Celebrate Fifth Season with Bobbleheads, Giveaways, and Special Guests
MADISON, Alabama — The Rocket City Trash Pandas promotional calendar features a record number of dates, including promotional giveaways at the Pepsi Gates and special meet-and-greet opportunities during games. “At Trash Pandas HQ, we know our fans are the real MVPs!” yelled Trash Pandas Director of Marketing and Promotions Ricky
Nine 2024 Trash Pandas earn non-roster invites to 2025 Angels Spring Training
MADISON, Alabama – On Tuesday evening, the Los Angeles Angels announced that 26 non-roster players, including nine 2024 Rocket City Trash Pandas, were invited to 2025 Spring Training in Tempe, AZ. Angels' top position player prospect Christian Moore headlines the group after hitting .322 with five home runs in his
Trash Pandas ignite Hometown Throwdown Series in 2025
MADISON, Alabama – The Rocket City Trash Pandas are thrilled to announce a special series of nights dedicated to celebrating local communities around North Alabama and the Tennessee Valley in 2025. The Hometown Throwdown Series, presented by Redstone Federal Credit Union, is set to ignite community pride and support throughout
Trash Pandas to host National Anthem Auditions on Saturday, February 8
MADISON, Alabama – The Rocket City Trash Pandas will host National Anthem Auditions at the Parkway Place Mall on Saturday, February 8, from 10 am to 12 pm. Individuals, ensemble groups, and choirs are invited to audition for the opportunity to sing the “Star Spangled Banner” before one of the
Toyota Field set to host 35 college and high school baseball and softball games this spring
MADISON, Alabama – Signs of spring are almost here in Rocket City, as baseball - and for the first time - softball is set to take place at Toyota Field in less than a month. Before the Trash Pandas hit the diamond on April 4 against Chattanooga, Toyota Field will
Trash Pandas Foundation Announces Return of Color the Can Contest
MADISON, Alabama – The Rocket City Trash Pandas Foundation, in partnership with WHNT News 19, is excited to announce the return of the popular Color the Can contest. The contest and submission form details can be found online at TrashPandasFoundation.com. Kids ages 3 to 12 are invited to submit a
Inaugural Women in Sports Luncheon set for February 18
MADISON, Alabama — The Rocket City Trash Pandas will host the Inaugural Rocket City Women in Sports Luncheon, presented by PNC Bank, at Toyota Field on Tuesday, February 18, from 11:30 am to 1 pm, in partnership with the Huntsville Madison County Chamber of Commerce, Huntsville Madison County Chamber of
Trash Pandas Launch Free Culinary Program 'Cooking Up Success'
MADISON, Alabama — The Rocket City Trash Pandas are excited to announce the launch of 'Cooking Up Success,' a free culinary training program designed to empower aspiring professionals in the sports and hospitality industry. This four—to six-week semi-intensive program, which begins on January 27, is open to individuals aged 16
Alabama baseball to host UNA at Toyota Field on March 25
MADISON, Alabama — The Alabama Crimson Tide baseball team will return to Toyota Field on Tuesday, March 25, at 6:05 pm to face off against the North Alabama Lions. Gates will open at 4:30 pm. Tickets start at just $8 and they can be purchased online at trashpandasbaseball.com/rolltide, in person
Trash Pandas single-game tickets on sale January 17
MADISON, Alabama — The Rocket City Trash Pandas are thrilled to announce that single-game tickets for the 2025 season will be available for purchase beginning Friday, January 17, at 10 am. The fifth season in team history will begin and end at Toyota Field, with action beginning on Friday, April
Sprocket to Deliver Panda-Grams For Valentine's Day
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE THIS ONE-OF-A-KIND PANDA-GRAM MADISON, Alabama — Valentine’s Day is approaching, and the Rocket City Trash Pandas are spreading the love across North Alabama with the help of the most romantic mascot in the cosmos, Sprocket! For the third consecutive year, the Trash Pandas are giving fans
Auburn baseball to host UT Martin at Toyota Field on March 11
MADISON, Alabama — The Auburn Tigers baseball team will return to Toyota Field on Tuesday, March 11, at 6:00 PM to face off against the UT Martin Skyhawks. Tickets start at just $8 and will be on sale to the general public beginning Friday, January 10, at 10 AM. They
2025 Rocket City Softball Showcase Announces PNC Bank as Presenting Partner
CLICK HERE FOR SCHEDULE & TICKETS MADISON, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas are thrilled to name PNC Bank as the presenting partner of the inaugural Rocket City Softball Showcase, a six-day event at Toyota Field featuring 13 NCAA programs and 12 local high school programs. Throughout the event,
Trash Pandas Hosting 2025 Job Fair on January 16 & 18
MADISON, Alabama – The Rocket City Trash Pandas are hiring! Ahead of the fifth season of baseball in 2025, the team will be hosting a gameday job fair on two separate dates at Toyota Field: Thursday, January 16, from 5-7 pm and Saturday, January 18, from 10 am to 12