Cherington: Bubba Chandler May Start After Stellar MLB Debut

The Pittsburgh Pirates are making bold moves with their top young talent. It’s a clear sign they’re thinking ahead as they build their roster.

During a recent media session, General Manager Ben Cherington talked about the promotion of ace pitching prospect Bubba Chandler. He also touched on the rapid rise of teenage phenom Konnor Griffin and the injury setback for catcher Endy Rodríguez.

All these decisions point to a strategy that tries to balance opportunity, timing, and long-term vision. Sometimes, that comes with a bit of short-term uncertainty, but that’s just part of the deal.

Bubba Chandler Gets the Call to the Show

When a front office decides to call up the No. 1 ranked pitching prospect in baseball, there’s usually a pretty good reason. For the Pirates, promoting 21-year-old right-hander Bubba Chandler came down to three things: Major League experience, timing, and role.

Cherington didn’t sugarcoat it — the move wasn’t about waiting for perfection in Triple-A. They wanted Chandler in the big leagues, where it really counts.

Why Timing Mattered

Chandler had some command issues in the minors, but the team worried that waiting too long could mean missing the perfect window to see how he handles the majors. These days, with pitch counts, shifting roles, and specialized assignments, when a player debuts can matter as much as how well they pitch.

An Impressive First Impression

The Pirates thought about bringing Chandler along slowly in a bulk reliever role, like they did with Braxton Ashcraft. Instead, Chandler’s debut was a blast — four scoreless innings, three strikeouts, and a save against the Colorado Rockies.

Cherington didn’t promise him a spot in the rotation, but he left the door open. If Chandler keeps pitching well, he’ll get his shot.

• Ranked No. 7 overall prospect by MLB Pipeline
• Fastball touches the mid-to-upper 90s
• Could settle into a starting role with more consistency

Konnor Griffin’s Rapid Rise Through the Ranks

There’s plenty of buzz in Pittsburgh about 19-year-old shortstop Konnor Griffin. Not long ago, he was in Single-A, and now he’s already reached Double-A. That’s a huge jump for someone his age.

From High School to MLB’s Top Prospect

Griffin’s athleticism, defensive range, and growing offensive skills have vaulted him to the No. 1 overall prospect spot on MLB Pipeline’s board. Cherington praised Griffin’s maturity and work ethic, and it’s hard not to imagine him as the Pirates’ future shortstop.

Still, Cherington said it’s too soon to build next year’s roster around a teenager. They want him to grow at a steady, manageable pace.

• Elite defensive ability at shortstop
• Advanced hitter for his age
• Probably starts 2025 in the minors

Endy Rodríguez Faces Another Setback

While Chandler and Griffin give fans hope, the Pirates are also dealing with tough news about Endy Rodríguez. The young catcher just had ulnar nerve transposition surgery — his second elbow operation in less than two years.

This procedure ends his season and leaves some doubt about his future as a catcher. It’s a rough break, honestly.

The Future of a Left-Handed Hitting Catcher

Cherington still believes in Rodríguez’s value. As a rare left-handed hitting catcher, his bat brings something special, and the team hasn’t ruled out keeping him behind the plate.

If injuries keep piling up, though, he might have to move to another position. First base or DH could be in his future if his body doesn’t cooperate.

• Second elbow surgery since 2022
• Strong offensive numbers before injury
• Might eventually shift to first base or DH

Looking Ahead for the Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pirates’ 2024 season feels like it’s all about player development decisions. Cherington seems to trust that real experience at the top level matters more than anything else for turning prospects into stars.

They’re giving Chandler the ball. At the same time, they’re pushing Griffin to take on bigger challenges and making sure Rodríguez gets the support he needs to recover.

These choices could shape not just this season, but the next several years. If Chandler locks down a rotation spot, Griffin keeps rising, and Rodríguez bounces back, maybe the Pirates will have a young core ready to surprise people sooner than we all think.

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