Pirates' Future Pitching Powerhouse Emerges

The Pittsburgh Pirates, despite featuring exciting pitcher Paul Skenes, finished the 2026 regular season with a 71-91 record, missing the playoffs for the tenth consecutive year. A new talent, rookie Bubba Chandler, is nearing his major league debut. Chandler, who previously committed to both football and baseball at Clemson, boasts an elite fastball and a potent changeup, complemented by a slider and curveball.

Chandler's potential suggests he could be a strong front-of-the-rotation arm, potentially creating a formidable one-two punch with Skenes. However, the team is also evaluating the need for additional pitching depth. Veteran pitcher Nick Martinez has been identified by Bleacher Report as a strategic target to round out the Pirates' rotation.

Martinez's experience would offer a valuable presence for the young pitchers, and his versatility allows him to seamlessly transition between a starting role and a swingman in the bullpen, where he has previously excelled. This acquisition would align with the Pirates' aggressive offseason strategy.