When Is Bubba Chandler Getting Called Up? Fantasy Baseball Prospect Outlook (Week 5 Update)

When is Bubba Chandler getting called up? Will Chandler pitch in April 2025? Read about this top fantasy baseball prospect outlook heading into Week 5.

Pittsburgh Pirates top starting pitching prospect Bubba Chandler continues to impress in the minors. The third-round pick from 2021 is still just 22 years old but is quickly establishing himself as one of the top pitching prospects in the game. He could be a key addition for the Pirates this summer and give the team even more young talent in their rotation.

While he arrives with the Buccos, he'll also have the potential to be a big fantasy baseball pickup with a high ceiling down the stretch. He had a good spring training and has started the year with outstanding work in Triple-A. He made his longest start of the season and picked up his first win this past week, so he's starting to prepare for a promotion.

But when are the Pirates going to call up Chandler? Can we expect him to make his debut in May? Let's dive in and find out. 

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Bubba Chandler Prospect Update for Fantasy Baseball

Chandler was ranked as the Pirates' No. 1 prospect coming into the season by FanGraphs and the No. 17 prospect in all of baseball. He had outstanding numbers in 2024, making 26 appearances split between Double-A and Triple-A. He went a combined 10-7 with a 3.08 ERA, 3.10 FIP, 1.02 WHIP, and 148 strikeouts in 119 2/3 innings.

He has continued his success this season in Triple-A for the Indianapolis Indians. He has allowed just three runs in 20 1/3 innings while racking up 27 strikeouts.

On Friday, April 25, Chandler made his longest start of the minor-league season so far, going five shutout innings and allowing just one hit. He did hit a pair of batters, but he continues to look dominant at this level.

Bubba Chandler was phenomenal AGAIN 🔥

- 5.0IP, 1H, 0R, 0ER, 0BB, 4SO’s

He hit 100mph+ SEVEN. TIMES. in the 5th inning!

Absolutely outstanding start!

Season stats
- 5 games
- 20.1 IP
-1.33 ERA
- 27 SO’s
- 6 BB’s

What a guy. Recap here: pic.twitter.com/rp7sdMDgum

— Christian ✞ (@CWolfPGH) April 26, 2025

Since no one can touch his electric stuff in Triple-A, he could get the call-up very soon. Remember, last year at around this time of year, the Pirates promoted Paul Skenes, who made his debut May 11, 2024. Chandler could be on a similar trajectory this year, especially with Carmen Mlodzinski struggling in the fifth spot in Pittsburgh's rotation.

Bubba Chandler Outlook for Fantasy Baseball

While the exact date of his debut is still uncertain, it's time to add Chandler if your roster has the space for him. He has looked unhittable at Triple-A, and even if he doesn't dominate immediately upon arrival, he has the fastball velocity and elite movement to adjust and improve as the season progresses.

What more does Bubba Chandler have to do??

Get this man on a big league roster! pic.twitter.com/4qxqUYK8YU

— Pitch Profiler (@pitchprofiler) April 26, 2025

Long-term, he could easily be the team's No. 2 starting pitcher behind Skenes, forming an elite top of the rotation for many years to come. He should be promoted relatively soon, and he should be able to be fantasy viable in almost all formats instantly. If he's available and you can stash him, he's a great pickup at this point, since he'll be a hot commodity as soon as his official promotion date is set.

Top Prospect Rankings and Call-Up ETAs

You can also check out the rest of RotoBaller's fantasy baseball prospect rankings. Eric Cross updates the below rankings weekly for the top impact prospects for 2025, and when they may be called up:

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