3 Pirates relievers who deserve save opportunities before the season ends

The Pittsburgh Pirates traded closer David Bednar at the 2025 trade deadline (for what many consider an underwhelming package). Bednar saved 101 games as a member of the Pirates, but now that he’s gone, the Pirates will have to look for their first new closer since they traded Mark Melancon.

Dennis Santana will likely get a handful of save opportunities, but he is only controlled through 2026. Given how many trade rumors surrounded him at this year’s deadline, you cannot rule out the possibility of him getting traded this offseason. Santana shouldn’t be the only player getting save opportunities, as these three Pirates relievers deserve a shot at the ninth inning as we head down the home stretch of the season.

3 Pirates who deserve opportunity to fill closer role in 2025

1) Isaac Mattson

Three years ago, I watched Isaac Mattson pitch for the Washington Wild Things while interning there. Three years after that, Mattson hasn’t just returned to the Major Leagues (last appearing in 2020 with the Baltimore Orioles), but has become a key member of the Pirates’ bullpen. Mattson has handled high-leverage situations this season in stride, making him a prime candidate to get more save opportunities.

Mattson has tossed 26.2 innings this year, working to a 2.36 ERA, 3.48 FIP, and 1.09 WHIP. He has gotten plenty of swings and misses, with a 28.2% strikeout percentage, and an above-average whiff rate of 26.3%. Mattson has also put up a 1.01 HR/9, with a microscopic 4.4% barrel percentage. Walks have been the only thing that have given Mattson any trouble this year. His 9.1% BB% is slightly worse than the league average, but it is definitely playable.

Mattson’s fastball velocity is ordinary for a Major League pitcher. He clocks in around 94 MPH on average. However, two things make it play up. The pitch averages just 12.6 inches of vertical drop, giving it the ‘riding fastball’ effect to hitters. His four-seamer also has above-average horizontal movement at 8.3 inches. The second thing that makes his fastball play up is his release point. Mattson is in the 76th percentile of extension off the mound at 6.8 feet, making his pitches look faster than they are. This has all helped Mattson’s four-seam fastball induce a 25.3% whiff rate and .252 xwOBA. Mattson’s changeup and slider have been effective secondary pitches, but his fastball is what has helped him get by the most, as he has utilized it about three-quarters of the time. 

Mattson isn’t a complete stranger to high-leverage, despite this being his first shot at extended playing time in the Major Leagues. His 1.45 leverage index indicates his comfort in those situations (1.0 is considered average). Among the 186 relief pitchers with at least 20 IP out of the bullpen since he made his debut on May 22nd, he ranks 60th in leverage index.