Bubba Chandler updates thought process ahead of MLB Draft

CLEMSON — It’s almost time for Bubba Chandler to make his decision.

The MLB Draft begins Sunday, and Clemson quarterback/pitcher Bubba Chandler is projected to be a first-round pick.

Chandler is expected to be offered life-changing money soon and will have to decide if he wants to begin his pro baseball career or play two sports for the Tigers.

Chandler appeared on the MLB Network earlier this week and discussed what the decision will be like for he and his family.

“What we’re talking about is just looking for the best opportunity and best fit for me. Where I’m at now at Clemson, it’s the greatest school in the country and I love every bit of it,” Chandler said. “But I do have a tough decision coming up, and I’m just going to let God lead the way. He’s never wrong and I’m just going to follow his plan.”

Chandler is projected to land with the Reds at pick No. 17 overall in ESPN’s latest mock draft, while The Athletic has Chandler being chosen one spot higher by the Marlins.

Most teams view the hard-throwing righty as a pitcher at the next level, but some like him as a position player. Chandler was a pitcher and shortstop at North Oconee High in Georgia, throwing in the mid-to-upper 90s on the mound.

He originally committed to Georgia to play baseball, before switching his commitment to play football and baseball for the Tigers.

Chandler is rated as a three-star recruit and the No. 32 quarterback in the country, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. He completed 227-of-434 passes for 3,605 yards and 40 touchdowns and rushed 139 times for 983 yards and nine touchdowns during his high school career.

Chandler is currently on campus at Clemson, but it remains to be seen how long he will stay there.

“Clemson was always a school that I really wanted to play at. You see what they do on the field, what they do off the field. No one comes close to it,” Chandler told MLB Network. “Coach [Dabo] Swinney, he’s the best. What you see on TV is what you get in person. He’s been great to our family and I love him to death. If I do choose to play baseball, I’ll probably shed a tear or two. All the guys up here are great, on my side with whatever I do. The QB room up here is top-notch, along with all the coaches.”