Phillies Secure Pitcher Chase Shugart in Key Acquisition
The Philadelphia Phillies have made a significant move by acquiring right-handed pitcher Chase Shugart from the Pittsburgh Pirates. This transaction sees the Pirates receiving minor league infielder Francisco Loreto in exchange.
Details of the Trade
The trade came after the Pirates designated Shugart for assignment to create a spot for Ryan O’Hearn on their 40-man roster. With the addition of Shugart, the Phillies have filled one of their 40-man vacancies, although their roster is currently at full capacity.
Chase Shugart’s Background
Shugart, 29, has a total of 53 2/3 innings pitched in his professional career. Most of his appearances came with the Pirates in the 2025 season, alongside a brief stint with the Boston Red Sox in 2024. His earned run average stands at 3.52 runs per nine innings pitched, complemented by an 18% strikeout rate and a 9.2% walk rate.
Pitching Statistics
- Fastball Velocity: Approximately 95 mph
- Main Pitches: Four-seamer, sinker, cutter, sweeper, changeup
In the minor leagues, Shugart has shown promise. In 2025, he pitched 20 2/3 innings in Triple-A, achieving an impressive 1.74 ERA. His strikeout rate was 25.3%, with a walk rate of 7.6% and an exceptional ground ball rate of 54.7%.
Future Prospects
With an option still available, the Phillies can move Shugart between the major league team and Triple-A Lehigh Valley throughout the 2026 season. If Shugart remains on the roster at the end of the season, he will be eligible for future arbitration.
Francisco Loreto’s Profile
In return for Shugart, the Phillies are parting ways with Francisco Loreto, an 18-year-old infielder. Loreto was included in Philadelphia’s international signing class of 2024. Although he initially signed as a catcher from Venezuela, he transitioned to primarily playing third base in 2025.
- 2026 Performance: Played in the Florida Complex League
- Batting Average: .237
- On-base Percentage: .332
- Slugging Percentage: .396
While Loreto may not rank as a top prospect, the Pirates likely view this acquisition as a valuable addition, providing them with a developmental opportunity following Shugart’s departure.
