Introduction
Bubba Chandler stands out as an extraordinary two-sport athlete whose trajectory—from two-way Clemson QB recruit to MLB’s top pitching prospect—exemplifies versatility and elite athleticism. This article delves into his early football and baseball achievements, recruitment details via 247Sports, Clemson commitment, draft journey, current professional status, and a comprehensive look at his stats. Let’s unpack the story of this remarkable multi-sport talent.
1. High School Career & 247Sports Recruiting
At North Oconee High School in Bogart, Georgia, Chandler made waves as a two-sport standout.
Football
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Ranked No. 201 overall nationally by 247Sports, 11th-best pro-style quarterback, and 17th in Georgia.
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Career high school stats: 227-of-434 passing for 3,605 yards and 40 TDs; 139 carries for 983 rushing yards and 9 rushing TDs.
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As a senior (2020): 116-of-229 for 1,842 yards, 18 pass TDs; 79 rushes for 548 yards, 6 rush TDs; voted team captain, Region 8 4A Offensive Player of the Year, preseason all-state.
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Junior year: 167-of-220 for 2,098 yards, 27 pass TDs; 505 rushing yards, 4 rush TDs.
Baseball & Other Sports
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Hit .356 and went 7-0 with 55 Ks in 41.1 innings as a junior; in 2020 hit .435 and struck out 16 in 7 innings.
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Also excelled in basketball as a freshman/sophomore and played golf.
247Sports highlighted Chandler’s two-sport prowess, committing to Clemson for both football and baseball.
2. Clemson Commitment
Chandler committed to Clemson on May 20, 2020, backing out of a previous baseball pledge to Georgia. He signed his letter of intent on December 16, 2020, and enrolled by June 14, 2021.
At Clemson, he was listed as QB #12 in the 2021 roster, illustrating the Tigers’ two-sport vision for him.
3. MLB Draft & Professional Transition
Despite his football future at Clemson, Chandler entered the professional baseball world by being selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the third round of the 2021 MLB Draft, 72nd overall. He signed with an over-slot bonus of $3 million, foregoing his Clemson career. Bubba Chandler Clemson.
Initially a two-way prospect, the Pirates shifted him solely to pitching in 2023.
4. Minor League Development & Stats
Chandler had a steady rise:
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2024 Double-A (Altoona): 3.70 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, 29.4% K rate, 8.1% BB rate, only seven HRs allowed in 80.1 innings.
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2024 Triple-A (Indianapolis): 1.83 ERA, 2.78 FIP, 1.04 WHIP, 34% K rate, limited walks and HRs in 39.1 innings.
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Early 2025: dominant Triple-A stretch — 2-0, 1.42 ERA, 32% K-BB% in 25.1 innings, drawing comparisons to Paul Skenes.
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Back in Altoona before promotion: seven starts, 4-0 with 1.83 ERA, 54 Ks in 39 1/3 IP.
5. MLB Debut & Current Status
In August 2025, Chandler was finally called up:
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Ranked MLB’s top pitching prospect and No. 7 overall by MLB Pipeline .
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Pirates promoted him for the series against the Rockies; initially utilized as bulk reliever, with rotation potential in 2026.
MLB Debut (August 22, 2025):
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Delivered four scoreless innings, striking out three, allowing two hits and one hit-by-pitch, earning a rare save in his debut — first Pirate to do so since saves became official in 1969.
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Fastball reached 100 mph.
Sports Illustrated underscored his arrival as a milestone and his vast potential in the Pirates’ rotation alongside Skenes and others.
6. Combined Athletic Profile & Significance
Chandler’s arc—from high school two-sport luminary to elite baseball prospect—highlights his exceptional athletic toolkit:
| Field | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Football (HS) | Elite QB with over 3,600 pass yards and 40 TDs, plus 9 rushing TDs; earned region Offensive POY |
| Baseball (HS) | Dominated with sub-1.25 ERA, nearly .411 AVG, showing elite dual talent |
| Recruiting | National 4-star recruit, committed to Clemson for BOTH sports |
| Pro Career | Rapid ascent through minors; MLB debut with historic save |
| Pitching Tools | 98-100 mph fastball, sharp slider/changeup, explosive K rates |
His transformation via the Pirates’ development and mental adjustment—trusting the process over comparisons—played a major role. Bubba Chandler Clemson.
FAQs
Q: Was Bubba Chandler a two-sport athlete?
A: Yes—he excelled in high school football (QB) and baseball (SS/pitcher), also playing basketball and golf. He committed to Clemson for both sports before choosing professional baseball.
Q: What led him to skip Clemson and sign with the Pirates?
A: Drafted 72nd overall in 2021, the Pirates offered an over-slot $3M bonus, persuading him to focus purely on baseball professionally.
Q: What are his key minor league stats?
A: In 2024, he posted a 3.70 ERA in Double-A and 1.83 ERA with 34% K rate in Triple-A. In early 2025, he maintained a 1.42 ERA and 32% K-BB% in Triple-A.
Q: How did his MLB debut go?
A: On August 22, 2025, Chandler threw four scoreless innings, struck out three, recorded a save in his debut — a Pirates first since the stat was acknowledged in 1969.
Q: What is his future outlook?
A: Seen as a future rotation piece, combining elite velocity with advanced off-speed pitches and rapid MLB transition. His development continues with mentorship from PNC’s rotation arms.
Conclusion
Bubba Chandler’s story is a compelling narrative of elite athletic versatility, strategic career choices, and rapid rise through professional ranks. From high school football glory to becoming a top pitching prospect and making an impactful MLB debut, his trajectory is one to watch. With physical tools, mental resilience, and a promising debut, Chandler is poised to be a central figure in baseball’s future—and perhaps one day, remembered as the remarkable athlete who could have excelled in two sports.
