Pirates' Mason Montgomery Robbed of MLB Honor

Megill also had a great August himself, with no earned runs over 11 games and 12 innings pitched, just two hits, three walks allowed, but a run allowed and two intentional walks with seven strikeouts, along with posting a 0.53 BAA and a 0.42 WHIP.

The comparisons show that Montgomery was the more dominant pitcher, while Megill was a tad more efficient, with a lower BAA and WHIP.

Montgomery was the most dominant pitcher in the NL, with the best K/9 (16.88), K/BB (20.00) and strikeout rate (54.1%).

His advanced stats were also outstanding, posting a -0.37 FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching), with a negative FIP acknowledging him as one of the best relief pitchers in the game.

The relief pitcher with the second-best FIP in August was Miami Marlins right-hander Calvin Faucher at 1.10, making Montgomery's FIP 1.37 points better.

Montgomery deserved the award for his dominance, but with the Brewers being one of the best teams in baseball, it's not surprising that Megill had a slight edge.

Both pitchers were perfect in save opportunities, but Megill had eight saves, while Montgomery had five, which likely made the difference.

Montgomery Securing Closer Role for Pirates

Montgomery may not have won the award, but there's no doubt he is the Pirates' closer for the rest of this season and heading into 2027.

It's been a huge turnaround for Montgomery, as the two-run home run to Chicago Cubs slugger Seiya Suzuki at PNC Park on July 26 marks the only runs he gave up in the second half of 2026.

Montgomery has posted a 0.87 ERA over 20.2 innings in 21 outings, 35 strikeouts to five walks, a .113 BAA and a 0.63 WHIP since the All-Star break.

It's a massive improvement from his first-half performance, with a 4.14 ERA over 37 innings and 38 games, 55 strikeouts to 17 walks, a .221 BAA and a 1.30 WHIP.

Montgomery has benefited from his work with Pirates pitching coach Bill Murphy, adding a two-seam fastball and a curveball to his four-seam fastball and slider pitch mix, making him far more efficient and effective than he's ever been.

His performances lined up with the Pirates' bullpen improving as a whole, thanks to additions at the trade deadline.

Montgomery could be one of the best closers in baseball for next season, making him one of the better trade acquisitions in general manager Ben Cherington's tenure.