Pittsburgh Pirates reliever Mason Montgomery is proving to be a valuable asset for fantasy baseball owners, especially those looking for widely available bullpen options. Montgomery has been a standout performer since the team acquired Luke Weaver at the trade deadline, a move that was expected to bolster the team's closer role.
However, Weaver has struggled to establish himself, failing to record a save opportunity in his first four appearances after arriving in Pittsburgh. In contrast, Montgomery has seized the closer role, converting all three of his save opportunities in the recent stretch. Over his last six outings this month, the left-hander has maintained a 0.00 ERA, allowing opponents to hit just .150 against him. His strikeout numbers have also been impressive, with a 65 percent strikeout rate and a 25.3 percent swinging-strike rate during this period.
For the season, Montgomery boasts a 3.40 ERA, with a 2.52 xERA, and a 39 percent strikeout rate. While he may not be accumulating saves at a high volume, his overall production has been exceptionally strong over the past two months, making him a must-add for fantasy teams. Mason Montgomery is currently available in over 85% of fantasy baseball leagues, presenting an opportunity for managers to acquire a dominant reliever who is outperforming expectations.