The Phillies’ offseason hasn’t exactly lit up the hot stove, but make no mistake-Philadelphia’s bullpen is in a better spot than it was when the 2025 season wrapped. Even after dealing away All-Star lefty Matt Strahm, president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski has quietly reshaped the relief corps into a more complete, more versatile unit. And while the headliners like Jhoan Duran and Brad Keller get most of the attention, there’s a name flying under the radar that fans should start getting familiar with: Chase Shugart.
Shugart, a right-hander acquired from the Pirates in exchange for minor league infielder Francisco Loreto, isn’t just a depth piece. He’s a potential difference-maker-an arm with late-inning upside and a pitch mix built for high-leverage moments. His addition may not have made front-page news, but it could end up being one of the more impactful bullpen moves of the Phillies’ offseason.
From Fringe Starter to Bullpen Weapon
Shugart’s journey to this point has been anything but linear. Drafted in the 12th round back in 2018, he spent seven years grinding through the Boston Red Sox’s minor league system.
Originally a fringe starting pitcher, he transitioned to a relief role in 2022-a move that ultimately unlocked his potential. The turning point came in 2024 when he was named Boston’s Minor League Relief Pitcher of the Year after striking out 80 batters in just over 70 innings.
That same year, he made his big-league debut on August 12, a moment made even more special with his family in the stands.
But baseball can be a business of tough breaks. Shugart was designated for assignment in early 2025 as the Red Sox shuffled their roster to add catching depth.
That opened the door for the Pirates, who gave him a shot-and he delivered. In 35 appearances with Pittsburgh, Shugart posted a 3.40 ERA, logging 45 innings with 31 strikeouts and a 4-3 record.
While the Pirates weren’t exactly playing a lot of meaningful baseball down the stretch, Shugart was one of the few arms they leaned on when games were tight.
The Arsenal: Depth, Deception, and a Nasty Sweeper
What makes Shugart intriguing isn’t just the results-it’s how he gets them. He’s not a one-pitch reliever who leans on velocity.
Instead, he brings a five-pitch mix that gives him the flexibility to attack hitters in different ways. His four-seam fastball sits around 95 mph with nearly 15 inches of induced vertical break-solid, but not overpowering.
That pitch, while serviceable, was one reason he didn’t stick as a starter. It’s more of a setup pitch now, something he uses to change eye levels and set up his real weapons.
The pitch that defines Shugart’s game is his sweeper. It comes in around 81 mph and features a wicked 17 inches of horizontal break.
He throws it nearly 30% of the time, and for good reason-it’s a nightmare for hitters on both sides of the plate. His cutter, which sits around 90 mph with a tighter break and a bit of ride, is his second-most used pitch at about 25%.
Together, the sweeper and cutter form the backbone of his approach, allowing him to tunnel pitches effectively and keep hitters guessing.
He also mixes in a sinker and a changeup, giving him the kind of depth you rarely see in a middle reliever. That versatility is what gives him a shot to carve out a real role in this Phillies bullpen-not just as a mop-up guy, but as someone who can handle the seventh or even eighth inning if needed.
The Fit in Philly
Now, let’s be clear-Shugart isn’t a lock for the Opening Day roster. He’ll have to earn his spot in spring training.
But the Phillies didn’t bring him in just to stash him in Triple-A. They saw something in his 2025 performance with Pittsburgh and believe he can translate that into meaningful innings in red pinstripes.
With Jhoan Duran expected to anchor the back end of the bullpen and veterans like Brad Keller and Gregory Soto in the mix, Shugart doesn’t need to be the guy. He just needs to be a guy-someone who can bridge the gap from the starter to the closer, someone who can come in with runners on and get a strikeout, someone who can keep a one-run lead intact in the sixth or seventh.
That’s the kind of role that often decides games in October. And if the Phillies are serious about making a deep postseason run, they’ll need arms like Shugart to step up.
Bottom Line
The Phillies’ bullpen looks deeper and more dangerous heading into 2026, and Chase Shugart is a big reason why. He’s not the flashiest name on the roster, but he brings a unique mix of stuff, experience, and poise that could make him a key piece of the puzzle. If he continues the trajectory he’s been on since 2024, don’t be surprised if he becomes a trusted arm in Rob Thomson’s bullpen before long.
Keep an eye on him this spring-Philly might’ve just found a hidden gem.