We have seen players come on strong as of late in the Pirates organization, especially in August. Today, let’s take a look at who these players are, and how well they have done in recent weeks.

RHP Bubba Chandler

Considering how highly touted he was, Chandler has a rough go for his first couple months in High A ball. But ever since July 18, something changed and Chandler became dominant. Since that outing in mid July, Chandler has given up a combined 8 runs in his last 7 starts (5 coming in one game). Not only have hitters had a rough time clearing the base path, but let alone getting on base against Bubba. He has struckout 39 hitters and has only allowed 22 hits. It wouldn’t surprise me to see Bubba get a start or two in Double A to end 2023 before going to the Arizona Fall League. Needless to say, Bubba Chandler is back and better than ever.

RHP Aaron Shortridge

Aaron’s 2nd year in Altoona was a bit rocky to start things off similarly to Chandler. But, Shortridge also seems to have found his game in July. Besides two tough games in mid July, Shortridge has become a dominant force in the Curve rotation. 20 runs given up in his last 9 starts, and striking out 43 batters amongst those games. August has resulted in only 4 runs given up, and 21 strikeouts amongst the numbers listed above in 3 games! Not to mention, one of these starts was a complete game. Shortridge has been a force to be reckoned with and may have found his old form that once made him a top prospect.

RHP Valentin Linarez

Year 2 of Greensboro for Linarez was a lot of inconsistent hot and cold spells, but his hot spell as of late has opened some eyes. He started as a starting pitcher and has since moved to the bullpen where he has rejuvenated his career. I’m mainly going to focus on August here, where he has only given up 2 runs (all in one game) in his 8 appearances thus far. 2 have resulted in saves, and only 2 hits have gotten past him all month long. He has struck out 23 batters in his 13.1 innings as well, almost averaging 2 strikeouts in an inning! With the lack of bullpen depth throughout the system, Linarez has a shot to fly through the organization in 2024.

INF Termarr Johnson

Ever since the 2022 first rounder was promoted to Greensboro, all eyes have been on him. He started off struggling, but all of a sudden everything clicked. Focusing on stats from August 9th till today, Johnson has hit 4 home runs, 9 RBIs, 10 hits, and drawn 8 walks. For Johnson, this is the start of advancing his career and might even earn him a spot in Double-A Altoona’s roster in 2024.

INF Charles McAdoo

What a surprise he has been! A 13th round pick in this year’s draft has become a mainstay in the Bradenton lineup. A .358 average, 3 home runs, and 16 RBIs in only 53 at bats. A 1.037 OPS is one of the best amongst all minor league teams across the country. McAdoo is in legit discussion for a top 30 prospect spot and even a fast promotion throughout the system. Check out our full interview with Charles below.