Perrotto: Chase Shugart Learned Valuable Lesson From Legend

The Pittsburgh Pirates’ bullpen has been a mess all season.

Two-time All-Star closer David Bednar struggled so badly in the first few days of the season that he needed to be sent to Triple-A Indianapolis to get back on track. He still hasn’t completely returned to his 2021-23 form.

Colin Holderman has a 9.00 ERA in 14 games and is on the injured list for the second time this season. Kyle Nicolas and Tanner Rainey are no longer in the major leagues after posting ERAs of 10.57.

The Pirates relievers’ ERA is 4.45, which ranks 21st among the 30 MLB teams. The Pirates have converted just 12 of 24 save opportunities, resulting in a dismal 50% success rate.

However, one pleasant surprise in the Pirates’ bullpen has been Chase Shugart. The 28-year-old rookie has been solid in his first extended opportunity in the major leagues, going 3-3 with a 3.42 ERA in 22 games.

The Pirates acquired Shugart from the Boston Red Sox in a waiver trade on Jan. 17. Shugart had spent his entire career in the Red Sox’s organization since being drafted in the 12^th round in 2018 from the University of Texas.

Shugart initially had mixed feelings about the trade.

“I had a lot of relationships, friends – some I would call family — with the Red Sox,” Shugart said. “So, it was tough to say goodbye. It was a bit of a shock to me, but then you could almost see the writing on the wall in those situations sometimes.

“I’m thankful for everything the Red Sox did for me. They gave me a chance to play pro ball and a chance to play in the major leagues. But I also knew there was probably going to be a better opportunity here with the Pirates, and I was excited about that.”

Shugart was correct in that assumption. He did not make the team out of spring training but was promoted to the Pirates after appearing only once in relief at Indianapolis.

At times, Shugart has been living on the edge this season as he has 14 strikeouts and 11 walks in 23.2 innings. However, opponents are hitting just .200 against him, including .130 in close and late situations.

“I’m trying not to go outside myself and not do too much because that’s when I get in trouble – when I try to make a certain pitch too good,” Shugart said. “I’m just trusting my stuff and attacking the zone, and I’ve been able to make big pitches when I’ve had to.”

Shugart made his MLB debut last season with the Red Sox. Though Shugart appeared in just six games, he found the experience invaluable after spending seven seasons in the minor leagues.

“It showed me that my stuff can play in the big leagues and that I can get people out up here,” said Shugart, who had one save and a 4.15 ERA in 2024.

One of Shugart’s teammates and closest friends in college was Kody Clemens, now an infielder/outfielder with the Minnesota Twins and the son of seven-time Cy Young Award winner Roger Clemens. Shugart developed a relationship with the elder Clemens, who also starred at Texas.

“It’s awesome that I’m blessed enough to be able to know him and pick his brain,” Shugart said. “It’s nice to know he’s only a phone call away. The biggest thing I’ve taken away from him is that there are a lot of great pitchers in Triple-A, but what separates a Triple-A player from major league players is all mentality.

“So that’s one thing he preached, even when we were in college, so I have always tried to be a bulldog. I don’t think I would have made it to the big leagues without that attitude.”

A valuable lesson learned from a legend.