The Pittsburgh Pirates added another talented pitching prospect as they prepare for next season.
Pittsburgh’s pitching was one of the team’s biggest strengths last season. The emergence of rookie pitcher Jared Jones and All-Star Paul Skenes gave the Pirates a major upgrade to their starting rotation. When you add Mitch Keller into the mix, the Pirates boast a starting rotation with incredible potential but could use more arms for the bullpen.
The Pirates traded 22-year-old right-handed pitching prospect Matt McShane to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for right-handed reliever Chase Shugart, according to a press release from MLB.com.
“The Boston Red Sox today acquired minor league right-handed pitcher Matt McShane from the Pittsburgh Pirates, in exchange for right-handed pitcher Chase Shugart,” MLB.com said. “McShane, 22, was selected by the Pirates in the 13th round of the 2024 First-Year Player Draft. The right-hander appeared in 53 games (two starts) over three seasons with St. Joseph’s University (2022-24), going 14-2 with a 3.76 ERA (50 ER/119.2 IP) and 125 strikeouts.”
“Shugart, 28, was designated for assignment on Wednesday. The right-hander made his Major League debut in 2024, posting a 4.15 ERA (4 ER/8.2 IP) in six games for the Red Sox while also pitching in 36 games (five starts) for Triple-A Worcester.”
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The Pirates’ bullpen was ranked No. 27 in the league in ERA last season with a 4.49 and could use some improvement. Bringing in a pitcher who got his first taste of the big leagues last season gives Pittsburgh another potential reliever who can make an impact down the stretch for the team.
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