The Phillies added potential bullpen depth Tuesday by acquiring Chase Shugart in a trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The Phillies gave up 18-year-old minor league infielder Francisco Loreto. Shugart was designated for assignment last week when the Pirates finalized the contract of Ryan O’Hearn.
Shugart, 29, made 35 appearances last year for the Pirates, going 4-3 with a 3.40 ERA in 45 innings in 35 appearances. He allowed six home runs but a WHIP of 1.111 and an opponent’s batting average of .206.
He’s not imposing, standing 5-11 and 200 pounds. But he relies on a plus sweeper and a cutter as his main pitches to avoid hard contact.
Shugart was drafted by Boston in the 12th round of the 2018 draft out of the University of Texas. He debuted Aug. 15, 2024, with the Red Sox, pitching in six games and 8.2 innings in 2024 with a 4.15 ERA.
Loreto was signed as a catcher out of Venezuela on Jan. 15, 2024. He hit .237 with five homers and 16 RBIs in 47 games in the Florida Complex League, playing mainly third base.