Bubba Chandler Bio
Roy Ruben “Bubba” Chandler is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates of Major League Baseball (MLB). He was born on September 14, 2002, in Bogart, Georgia. Chandler excelled in multiple sports during his high school years at North Oconee High School in Bogart, where he notably showcased his prowess in baseball and football. Selected by the Pirates in the third round of the 2021 MLB Draft, he made his MLB debut on August 22, 2025, becoming the first Pirates pitcher to record a save in his debut game.
Early Life and Background
Bubba Chandler grew up in Bogart, Georgia, where he attended North Oconee High School. During his time there, he was a member of the baseball and football teams. Chandler also started on the varsity basketball team during his freshman and sophomore years and participated in golf before ultimately focusing on football and baseball. His athletic talent was evident early on, as he posted impressive statistics in both sports. In his junior year, he recorded a 7–0 record with 55 strikeouts in 41.1 innings as a pitcher while batting .356 with 14 doubles and 25 RBIs. His performance garnered attention from college baseball programs, leading him to commit to play at the University of Georgia. However, after a successful junior football season, where he threw for 2,098 yards and 27 touchdowns, Chandler decommitted from Georgia and chose to play both college football and baseball at Clemson University.
Path to Baseball
As a senior, Chandler solidified his reputation as one of the best two-way prospects in the 2021 Major League Baseball Draft. He finished his senior baseball season with an 8–1 record and a 1.25 earned run average (ERA), striking out 96 batters over 44.2 innings pitched. Additionally, he batted .411 with 12 doubles, eight home runs, 35 RBIs, and 41 runs scored. His outstanding performance in high school led to his selection by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the third round of the 2021 MLB Draft, where he was the 72nd overall pick. After signing with the Pirates on July 21, 2021, for an over-slot signing bonus of $3 million, Chandler began his professional career in the Rookie-level Florida Complex League Pirates.
Bubba Chandler Career
Early Career (2021–2022)
After joining the Pirates organization, Bubba Chandler played in 11 games as a shortstop and designated hitter in the Florida Complex League, where he batted .167. He returned to the FCL Pirates after beginning the 2022 season in extended spring training and was later promoted to the Bradenton Marauders of the Single-A Florida State League. During this time, Chandler made the decision to focus solely on pitching, which would ultimately define his professional career.
Breakthrough (2025)
Chandler’s breakthrough moment came on August 22, 2025, when he made his MLB debut against the Colorado Rockies. He entered the game in the sixth inning and recorded a save, making history as the first Pirates pitcher to achieve this feat in his debut. Just days later, on August 27, he pitched four scoreless innings of relief against the St. Louis Cardinals, allowing only one hit and striking out three batters, earning his first career win.
Notable Works and Milestones
Bubba Chandler’s signature achievement thus far is his historic MLB debut, where he became the first pitcher in Pittsburgh Pirates history to record a save in his first game. His early career statistics include a win-loss record of 4–1, an earned run average of 4.02, and 31 strikeouts through the 2025 season.
Bubba Chandler Award Nominations
As of now, there are no verified award nominations for Bubba Chandler.
Bubba Chandler Awards Won
Currently, Bubba Chandler has not received any awards in his professional baseball career.
Bubba Chandler Family
Information regarding Bubba Chandler’s family is not publicly available.
Personal Life
Details about Bubba Chandler’s personal life, including marital status and children, are not disclosed.