On May 5, 2025, Minor League Baseball announced that Indianapolis Indians pitcher Bubba Chandler has been honored as the International League April Pitcher of the Month. This prestigious accolade marks the first Minor League Baseball (MiLB) monthly award for the 22-year-old right-hander, who has quickly risen as a standout talent in the Pittsburgh Pirates’ farm system.
Chandler’s dominant performance in April 2025 saw him lead all minor league pitchers with at least 20.0 innings in fewest hits allowed (seven) and batting average against (.106, 7-for-66). Across five starts, he posted an impressive 1-0 record, a 1.33 ERA (3er/20.1ip), 27 strikeouts, and a remarkable 0.64 WHIP. Among International League pitchers with at least 20.0 innings, Chandler led in WHIP and ranked third in ERA, showcasing his ability to stifle opposing batters.
Since joining the Indianapolis Indians, Chandler has been nothing short of exceptional. In just 13 career starts, he boasts a 6-0 record, a 1.67 ERA (12er/64.2ip), and 90 strikeouts. His career stats with Indianapolis place him at the top of the franchise’s pitching leaderboard (since 2005, minimum 40.0 innings) in WHIP (0.90), batting average against (.161, 36-for-224), and opponent OPS (.480). He also ranks second in ERA and strikeouts per 9.0 innings (12.53).
Chandler’s electric arm has also turned heads with his velocity. This season, he has thrown 13 pitches at 100.0 MPH or higher, including a fastball that reached 101.5 MPH on April 13 at Louisville. Among Minor League starting pitchers, he is one of only seven to hit triple-digits, with his eight pitches at 100.3 MPH or faster marking the fastest by any starter in High-A or above.
Hailing from Lawrenceville, Georgia, Chandler was selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the third round (72nd overall) of the 2021 First-Year Player Draft out of North Oconee High School. His rapid development has made him a key prospect to watch in the Pirates’ organization.
Chandler becomes the first Indianapolis Indians pitcher to win a league monthly award since Zach Duke in May 2005. He joins an elite group of Indians players to earn International League monthly honors since 1998, including Duke, Alen Hanson (May 2015), José Osuna (April 2018), and Canaan Smith-Njigba (September 2023).
The Indianapolis Indians and their fans eagerly await Chandler’s continued dominance on the mound as he solidifies his reputation as one of baseball’s brightest young pitching talents.
