Pittsburgh Pirates Project to Have Two Top Rookies in 2026

For as much attention as there’s been on the Pittsburgh Pirates adding multiple big-league proven players this offseason, the roster will still be full of young talent. There are plenty of prospects who could make a major impact for the team in 2026, and a pair of them could even be in the National League Rookie of the Year discussion, too. 

MLB.com’s Brian Murphy recently took a look at the top projected rookies heading into next season, and a pair of Pirates players appeared on the list.

Bubba Chandler came in at No. 7, with a projected WAR of 1.8.

The 23-year-old made his debut late last season, posting a 4.02 ERA and 0.93 WHIP in 7 starts. It was a small sample size with some obvious growing pains, but Chandler still had an encouraging whiff rate of 30.3 percent. 

"Once Chandler was called up last August, he struck out 31 batters and walked only four over 31 1/3 innings. With his fastball that can touch triple digits and a high-whiff changeup, he should pile up plenty of strikeouts in his first full season. Steamer projects 146 K's over 160 1/3 innings for Chandler," wrote Murphy.

The second potential Pirates rookie to make the list is the top prospect in baseball: Konnor Griffin. There is a big asterisk next to Griffin, though, because in order to be a top rookie, the 19-year-old must make his debut.

That’s why it may feel low for Griffin to come in at No. 13, but since the list is ranked by WAR, and that stat increases with playing time, it does make sense. 

If the infielder does make it to the MLB level, he’ll have a key role on the right side of the infield and has the potential to make an immediate impact.

Murphy pointed out that "Steamer projects Griffin to play in just 79 games but still make a sizeable impact -- eight homers, 13 steals and the fourth-best position-player WAR on the team."

Chandler and Griffin being projected as some of the top young players in the game is a great reminder that, while Marcell Ozuna, Brandon Lowe, and Ryan O'Hearn's additions are exciting, it's the young players who could truly help the Pirates get back to the playoffs. 

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