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Phillies Trade for Pirates Righty Chase Shugart to Bolster Bullpen Depth

Philadelphia swapped an 18-year-old infielder for experienced relief help ahead of spring training.

Overview

  • The Phillies acquired reliever Chase Shugart from the Pirates for minor-league infielder Francisco Loreto after Pittsburgh designated the right-hander for assignment.
  • Philadelphia’s 40-man roster stands at 40 following the transaction.
  • Shugart, 29, appeared in 35 games for Pittsburgh in 2025, working 45.0 innings with a 3.40 ERA and a 1.111 WHIP, as right-handed hitters batted .198 against him.
  • Statcast lists a five-pitch mix for Shugart, led by a sweeper and cutter with a four-seam fastball that averaged 95.4 mph last season.
  • The move continues a winter focus on relief depth that has included Brad Keller, Jonathan Bowlan, Kyle Backhus, Yoniel Curet and Rule 5 pick Zach McCambley, with newcomers set to compete for bullpen roles in Clearwater.