Pirates prospect Evan Chambers passes away at age 24

Terrible news to pass along this evening, as Pirates minor leaguer Evan Chambers passed away in his sleep over the weekend. He was just 24 years old.

Chambers was a third-round pick of Pittsburgh in 2009. An outfielder, he had worked his way up to the Double-A level before missing most of this season with a foot injury. Talking about his baseball career is almost pointless at a time like this. It’s just sad to see a young life cut short, no matter their profession. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.

Below is a statement from Pirates general manager Neal Huntington:

“All of us at the Pittsburgh Pirates are shocked and saddened by Evan’s sudden passing in his sleep this past weekend. Beyond being just a talented ballplayer, Evan was a great teammate and a quiet leader who went about his craft as a professional every day. Off the field, Evan loved making a difference in the community, and often dedicated a lot of his time working with children in the communities in which he played. Our heartfelt sympathies and prayers go out to his family for this unimaginable loss. He was far too young. He will be missed.”

We’ll add reaction from around the baseball world throughout the evening:

This is a tough pill to swallow. You are gone too soon.. Evan Chambers, u will be missed bro. I know ur w/ God now pic.twitter.com/evoElUbH77

— Andrew McCutchen (@TheCUTCH22) December 3, 2013

Thoughts and prayers are with the Evan Chambers family. May he rest in peace.

— Jeff Karstens (@karstens27) December 3, 2013

RIP Evan Chambers. Great guy, God Bless his family and friends.

— Austin Meadows (@austin_meadows) December 2, 2013

Can't help but question why you were taken so early. Makes me sick. RIP Evan Chambers. Love you man.

— Tony Sanchez (@Tony26Montana) December 2, 2013

My thoughts and prayers go out to Evan Chambers and his family, I'm so incredibly sorry for your loss #RIPEvanChambers

— Phillip Irwin (@FilthyPhil36) December 2, 2013

Heart broken to hear about Evan Chambers. I had the honor to play with him for a year. I just remember he was always smiling!!

— Matt den Dekker (@UpperDekker) December 2, 2013

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