Red Sox Trade Shugart for Pirates' McShane

The Boston Red Sox have made several moves to bolster their pitching staff, including signing local pitcher Sean Newcomb to a minor league contract and trading reliever Chase Shugart to the Pittsburgh Pirates for right-handed pitcher Matt McShane. Newcomb, a 31-year-old native of Brockton, Massachusetts, has faced injuries recently but was once a highly regarded prospect in the MLB. Meanwhile, Shugart, who made his major league debut in 2024, was designated for assignment to accommodate the arrival of catcher Blake Sabol. The Red Sox and Pirates have established a frequent trading relationship, having completed multiple trades in the past year, including the recent acquisition of former first-round pick Quinn Priester. McShane, drafted in the 13th round of the 2024 MLB Draft, has yet to pitch professionally but showed promise in college with a 3.76 ERA. These moves reflect Boston's strategy to enhance their bullpen depth as they approach spring training.