NL Central: Mason Montgomery—closer?
Apr 24 2026
The Pittsburgh Pirates are competing in a stacked National League Central for the first time since 2015. They're currently doing it without a defined closer, having traded David Bednar to the Yankees in 2025. Dennis Santana held the role for the second half of last season, notching 16 saves down the stretch along with a 2.18 ERA, but the 22.2% K% coupled with a 6.3% BB% never really screamed “closer.” Through his first 12 innings in 2026 he's only allowed one earned run, but under the hood there are concerns with just nine strikeouts and five walks during the early going.
Manager Don Kelly hasn't seemed interested in anointing a closer, noting that he could use Santana earlier in games at times if the situation...
Almost!
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