Bubba Chandler's Uneven Spring Training Start & 2026 Future

Segment Spotlight: Quick Hits From The Just Baseball Show

Dissecting Bubba Chandler's Latest Start

Bubba Chandler's recent performance during a start on Monday brought mixed reactions. While he managed to keep hitters off the bases with no hits allowed over 1 and 2/3 innings, Chandler struggled with control, yielding four walks which led to four runs, accentuated by the reliever who allowed inherited runners to score. Impressively, Chandler did reach a velocity of 101 mph, but the placement was less ideal, mostly at the hitters' eyelids.

Analyst Insights

Aram’s analysis suggests that Chandler’s control issues are a part of his development, indicating a "ride the wave" type of performance pattern. Last year, he showed significant progress in his command, ending with a series of starts with zero walks. This suggests an overall improvement trajectory despite the hiccup. Regarding his physical condition, Chandler has dealt with unique elbow circumstances, indicating that his inconsistent performance might also relate to intermittent physical discomfort.

Adding another layer of context, another analyst noted Chandler's sharp first inning during the same game where he successfully executed his pitches, including a notable slider to Paul de Jong. However, Chandler lost rhythm in the second inning. This pattern mirrors the early appearance jitters but shows promise as he was able to initially perform well.

Prospect Watch

The discussion also touched on other notable prospects. Rainio Rodriguez caught attention with his powerful hitting, showcased by a 108 mph double. Tanner McDougal displayed promising velocity and breaking pitches. Ben Hess was highlighted for his impressive breaking balls, whereas Esmeroon Valdez (potentially mispronounced) made an impact with a grand slam. Lastly, Connor Griffin, despite being unluckily highlighted in the spring, continues to show potential.

These insights underline the dynamic nature of early-season performances, where prospects can fluctuate but also hint at their potential to stabilize and impact as they gain more experience and confidence.