Pirates Minor League Report: Bubba Chandler, Top Pitchers Struggling

Pirates’ number one prospect Bubba Chandler appeared unhittable during the first two months of the 2025 MiLB season, posting an ERA of 2.03 with 69 strikeouts in 48.2 seasons.

The 22-year-old right-handed pitcher fell back to earth once the calendar flipped to June, however, making it out of the third inning just once across four starts and pitching to a 10.62 ERA. Chandler endured his worst start of the season on Sunday, June 22, shelled for six runs across 2.2 innings in his second outing of the week. He pitched four innings on June 17, allowing just one run but struggling with efficiency, needing 79 pitches to make it through his start.

Chandler isn’t the only highly-regarded pitching prospect to struggle in recent weeks. Left-hander Anthony Solometo allowed three runs (two earned) across two outs for Single-A Bradenton on June 18, making his return from a shoulder injury that landed him on the 60-Day Injured List. Hunter Barco, who began the season on an untouchable scoreless streak, allowed four runs in three innings that same day.

Last week wasn’t all doom and gloom for Pirates prospects though. Esmerlyn Valdez hit three home runs, continuing to dominate the South Atlantic League’s homer leaderboard, while 2024 second round pick Wyatt Sanford hit two doubles on June 22.

Carlson Reed, who began the season on the 60-Day IL, put up five no-hit innings in a rehab start for High-A Greensboro despite struggling with command. Wilber Dotel fanned eight batters in a six inning start for the Altoona Curve, allowing two hits and no runs.