Alex Stumpf breaks down why this weekend’s series in Chicago feels like the Pirates’ first real test of the 2026 season. With no Paul Skenes or Mitch Keller lined up, the spotlight turns to Carmen Mlodzinski, Braxton Ashcraft, and Bubba Chandler as Pittsburgh looks to prove it can win an important road series against a division rival.

Alex digs into what this matchup could reveal about the Pirates, why Bubba Chandler’s command will be under the microscope, what he wants to see from Mlodzinski and Ashcraft, and why the offense also has a chance to make a statement at Wrigley.

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