The reliever market is extremely hot at this year’s trade deadline, with massive splashes made by almost every contender in MLB. Now, the Detroit Tigers have entered into the conversation with their own big move.
The Tigers had gone through a rough stretch following the All-Star break, losing 13 of 16 games, but they seem to be back on track and have a healthy lead in the American League Central. Detroit is almost certainly going to be playing in October, and has its eyes on the AL Pennant with the likes of Tarik Skubal, Riley Greene, etc.
Detroit Tigers Acquiring Kyle Finnegan from Nationals
According to Jeff Passan, the Detroit Tigers are acquiring Washington Nationals closer Kyle Finnegan. Finnegan was an All-Star last season.
There had been rumblings all trade deadline season that the Tigers were in the market for a high-leverage reliever, and with so many names now off the board, Detroit may have acquired the next best option besides maybe David Bednar.
Kyle Finnegan is set to be a free agent after this season and has had a reasonably productive season. He has a 4.38 ERA in 39 innings. His strikeouts are slightly down with just 32 this season, but he has 20 saves. Will Vest has served as the primary closer for Detroit, and his ERA sits at 2.53 in 46.1 innings, so it’s unclear how the Tigers will use Finnegan. The Tigers are sending the Nationals pitching prospects and Josh Randall and R.J. Sales in return for Finnegan.
For the Tigers, who have clear World Series aspirations, this feels like an excellent move, and considering Finnegan is now on a bona fide contender, he may raise his level of play. He features a lively baseball and a couple of good offspeed pitches. Even if Vest still serves as the team’s closer, Finnegan is undoubtedly one of the top options in that bullpen and could be used as a setup man.
Finnegan has spent all six of his years with the Nationals and has a career 3.66 in 329.1 innings and 32o strikeouts, so he will look to translate that production to Detroit. Finnegan broke into the big leagues at age 27 and is now 33, but appears to still be in his prime considering the production he has recorded in the latter stages of his career. He’s been a consistent reliever over those six years, and his ERA has usually been in the mid-3.00s.
What Does This Move Mean for the Tigers?
Kyle Finnegan being moved should come as no surprise; he was rumored to be shipped away for a few months, considering he is on an expiring contract, but it does give the Tigers and manager AJ Hinch another late-inning arm to go to.
The Tigers could still use another potential bat for the lineup, and maybe a right-handed starter, but the addition of Finnegan is a good start to what could be a busy day for Detroit. They are a team to watch as the season progresses, and certainly have now helped their chances to win a competitive American League.
Report: Tigers Acquiring Nationals All-Star Closer