The Detroit Tigers made a significant move ahead of the 2025 MLB trade deadline, acquiring veteran right-handed reliever Kyle Finnegan from the Washington Nationals in exchange for two pitching prospects. This strategic acquisition aimed to bolster the Tigers’ bullpen, especially after missing out on top-tier closers like Ryan Helsley and David Bednar, who were dealt to the New York Mets and New York Yankees, respectively.
Finnegan, who becomes a free agent after the 2025 season, has posted a 4.38 ERA across 39 innings in 40 games this year. While accumulating 20 saves in 26 opportunities, his statistical profile reveals some areas of concern, particularly when evaluating his command and strikeout ability compared to other elite closers in Major League Baseball.
A closer look at Finnegan’s advanced metrics indicates that he struggles in several key areas crucial for dominant relief pitching. He ranks in the 24th percentile for whiff rate (21.7%), 31st percentile for strikeout rate (19.6%), and 41st percentile for walk rate (8.6%). These figures suggest that he is below average in generating swings and misses and maintaining consistent command, which can lead to precarious situations in high-leverage innings.
Among the 13 relievers who have recorded 20 or more saves this season, Kyle Finnegan’s performance metrics place him near the bottom of the group. He ranks 12th in ERA (4.38), 12th in WHIP (1.282), eighth in walks per nine innings (3.2), and 12th in strikeouts per nine innings (7.4). These comparative statistics highlight that while he closes games, his efficiency and dominance are not on par with the league’s top closers.
Despite his struggles with strikeouts and occasional shaky command, Finnegan compensates by consistently keeping the ball on the ground at an above-average rate. This ability to induce ground balls helps mitigate the damage from hard contact, allowing him to navigate innings even when hitters are making solid contact. It’s a key aspect of his effectiveness despite not being a traditional strikeout artist.
Over the 2023-2025 period, Finnegan has accumulated more saves (86 in 105 chances) than both Ryan Helsley (84 in 98 chances) and David Bednar (79 in 89 chances). However, a deeper analysis of their save rates reveals a different story. Finnegan’s save rate stands at 81.9%, notably lower than Bednar’s 88.8% and Helsley’s 85.7%, indicating less consistent success in converting save opportunities.
To acquire Finnegan, the Detroit Tigers sent two promising 22-year-old right-handed pitching prospects, Brant Hurter and Drew Strotman, to the Washington Nationals. The centerpiece of this package was Brant Randall, a third-round pick from the 2024 draft who was previously ranked as the Tigers’ No. 15 prospect before joining the Nationals’ system as their No. 22 prospect. This trade signifies the Tigers’ willingness to invest in immediate bullpen help at the cost of future pitching talent.
As he joins the Detroit Tigers, Finnegan, an All-Star in 2024, is expected to serve as the team’s second-best reliever, complementing right-hander Jason Foley. The Tigers view Finnegan, Andrew Vest, and Jason Foley as their primary high-leverage options, aiming to solidify the late innings of their games. This move reinforces their commitment to contending in the current season.
The dynamic between Finnegan and Vest regarding ninth-inning opportunities remains uncertain. While Finnegan possesses a longer track record as a closer, Andrew Vest has arguably been the more effective reliever for the Tigers in 2025. Their performance in the coming weeks will likely dictate who assumes the primary closing duties as the season progresses.
