As the free agent reliever market heats up, longtime Washington Nationals reliever Kyle Finnegan could be the next to sign. The 33-year-old was surprisingly non-tendered by Washington in November after recording a 3.68 ERA and 38 saves last season.
Teams Looking to Sign Former Nationals All-Star in Free Agency
Kyle Finnegan received his first All-Star selection last season, and his 38 saves finished second among National League relievers (third overall). He sports a three-pitch arsenal and relies heavily on a four-seam fastball that, at 97.2 mph, has ranked in the top 10% for three consecutive seasons. Finnegan has posted a sub-4.00 ERA in five straight seasons while topping 60 innings over the past four. But his 22.1% strikeout rate fell below the league average for relievers last season, while his 8.9% walk rate was right at the league average. Despite not being an overpowering pitcher, MLB insider Robert Murray recently reported that the right-hander’s market has “picked up significantly.”
With numerous free-agent relievers coming off the board recently, right-hander Kyle Finnegan’s market has picked up significantly. Finnegan, 33, was surprisingly non-tendered by the Nationals after recording a 3.68 ERA and 38 saves last season.
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) January 23, 2025
With most big-name free agents already off the board, there are several teams still seeking high-leverage relievers, and Finnegan’s name is at the top of the list. One team that has reportedly already been in contact with Washington’s former closer is their National League rival, Chicago Cubs. Chicago made a blockbuster trade for All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker but are still without a reliable closer. One of the Cubs goals this offseason is to add more experienced relievers to the back end of their bullpen. Having lost out on closer Tanner Scott, Finnegan would be a solid addition for Chicago and at half the price. Spotrac predicts the 33-year-old to sign a two-year deal worth $25 million this offseason.
Ex-Nationals All-Star Kyle Finnegan Drawing Interest from Multiple Teams
In addition to the Cubs, Finnegan has also been linked to the Los Angeles Angels, Toronto Blue Jays, and the Arizona Diamondbacks. Like Chicago, all three teams lack a reliable high-leverage arm at the back of their bullpen.
Los Angeles Angels
Los Angeles is looking to rebuild their pitching staff following their franchise-worst season last year, losing a record 99 games. The Angels traded now-free agent closer Carlos Estévez to the Phillies at the deadline but lacked an adequate replacement. While home runs have been an issue for Finnegan in recent seasons, a short-term contract similar to Estévez’s two-year, $13.5 million contract would be a welcomed addition.
Toronto Blue Jays
Toronto had arguably one of the most disappointing seasons in the majors last year, having finished 14 games under .500. One clear pain point for the Blue Jays last season was their bullpen which combined for a 4.82 ERA, the second-worst bullpen ERA in the majors. Despite adding Yimi García and Jeff Hoffman to their bullpen, the Blue Jays are still without a closer after non-tendering longtime closer Jordan Romano in November. Their offseason has finally started to take shape, having signed longtime Orioles slugger Anthony Santander earlier this week. Toronto needs a closer to round out their bullpen and Finnegan could be the perfect high-leverage, low-cost option available.
Arizona Diamondbacks
Arizona has had a relatively quiet offseason outside of signing Corbin Burnes to a six-year, $210 million contract in December. While his addition rounds out a solid Diamondbacks rotation, their bullpen is still lacking. After their first World Series appearance in 22 years, Arizona had the National League’s third-worst bullpen and narrowly missed the final Wild Card spot last season. The Diamondbacks lack a closer, and while Justin Martinez may be their closer of the future, they need someone experienced. Finnegan, who ranks eighth in all-time saves in Nationals history with 88 career saves, certainly fits the bill. Despite a brutal finish last year, Finnegan could be a solid fit for Arizona or any bullpen-needy teams this winter.
Main Photo Credits: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images
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