Trevor Megill: The Brewers' Underrated Closer and His 'Petty' Mound Habit
Milwaukee Brewers closer Trevor Megill has become one of baseball's most distinctive presences on the mound – not just for his 98-mph fastball and elite metrics, but for a peculiar ritual that has captured attention across the league. Before each batter, Megill pulls a scouting card from his back pocket, adjusts his cap, tugs at his belt loop, and most notably, discards baseballs with a theatrical disdain that has become his signature.
Megill's unusual habit of tossing baseballs toward the dugout has drawn curiosity from fans and analysts alike. According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the 32-year-old threw out 46 baseballs in his first 41 games this season – a rate that leads the team by a wide margin. Teammates like left-hander DL Hall joke that it happens five times a game, though the actual number is closer to once per appearance. Manager Pat Murphy simply calls it "part of his shtick."
When asked about the reasoning behind the constant ball swapping, Megill's answer is refreshingly honest: "Most of the time, it's just being petty." While he acknowledges that higher laces might help his signature knuckle curve spin, the primary motivation is far more human – a way to reset, buy a few extra seconds with the pitch clock, and impose his will on the game's pace.
Elite Numbers Backed by Dominant High-Leverage Performance
While his mound antics may be lighthearted, Megill's performance is anything but. Through 47 appearances this season, Megill ranks fifth among all relievers in WAR (2.0), with an expected ERA in the 94th percentile or better. His near-30% strikeout percentage places him in the 92nd percentile among all pitchers, and his chase rate and breaking run value are equally impressive.
Since the start of the 2025 season, Megill has recorded 51 saves – sixth most in MLB – and has lowered his ERA to 2.58 over 45.1 innings this year. Over his last 22.1 innings, he has allowed just one run on nine hits and four walks while striking out 24 batters. In high-leverage situations, his ERA drops to 1.63, making him one of the most reliable closers in the game.
Megill's ability to pitch effectively in non-save situations was on full display Sunday against the Minnesota Twins. Entering a tie game in the ninth inning, he struck out two of the three batters he faced on just 13 pitches, extending the game into extra innings where Milwaukee won in walk-off fashion. It was his eighth appearance this season in a tie game, and he handled it with the same poise as any save opportunity.
The Underrated Bullpen Duo That Anchors the Brewers
Megill is not alone in his dominance. The Brewers' late-inning trio – Megill, Abner Uribe, and Aaron Ashby – has been arguably the most underrated bullpen group in baseball. Combined, they own a 2.84 ERA and 19 wins, forming a three-headed dragon that has been the backbone of Milwaukee's success.
Uribe, the eighth-inning specialist, has been equally impressive. He currently carries a scoreless streak of 21.2 innings, during which he has allowed just 11 hits and seven walks while striking out 19. His 2.05 ERA over 48.1 innings this season, combined with Megill's dominance, has created a formidable one-two punch at the back end of games. According to BVM Sports, the Brewers are 30-5 when both Megill and Uribe pitch in the same game.
Manager Pat Murphy has praised the duo, simply stating, "[Megill]’s been awfully good. Uribe, awfully good." Their ability to handle high-pressure situations has allowed the Brewers to maintain one of the best records in the National League, even as the spotlight remains on the team's young starting pitchers.
Why It Matters: The Secret Behind Milwaukee's Success
The Brewers' elite bullpen has been overshadowed by the emergence of starters like Jacob Misiorowski, but it may be the team's most overlooked advantage. In a closely contested NL playoff race, having a reliable backend of the bullpen is crucial. As the season progresses into August and beyond, Megill and Uribe's continued dominance could be the difference between a deep postseason run and an early exit.
Megill's unique personality and willingness to embrace the "petty" aspects of his craft add a layer of entertainment to his elite performance. In an era where pitchers are often robotic in their routines, Megill's theatrics make him a fan favorite and a compelling storyline for the Brewers' push toward October.
For teams like the Brewers, who are often overlooked in national conversations, having a closer who combines skill with personality helps put them on the map. Megill's recent recognition as one of the game's most underrated relievers is long overdue, and his ability to dominate in high-leverage moments makes him a critical piece of Milwaukee's championship aspirations.
As the Brewers continue their march toward the postseason, all eyes will be on Megill – not just for his "petty" ball tosses, but for the stellar performances that back them up. Whether it's the scouting card, the belt tug, or the perfectly aimed throw to the dugout, Megill has turned a quirky habit into a symbol of his effectiveness. And for Brewers fans, that's anything but trivial.
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