Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
Key Takeaways
- Right-handed closer Kyle Finnegan is in the midst of active trade discussions ahead of the 2025 MLB trade deadline.
- Finnegan, a 33-year-old MLB veteran with 108 career saves, recently was reportedly acquired by the Detroit Tigers from the Washington Nationals.
- The Chicago Cubs showed renewed interest in Finnegan but ultimately missed out as the Tigers completed the deal.
- Finnegan’s move highlights the MLB market’s focus on veteran closers and bullpen stability during midseason trades.
- This trade exemplifies the strategic balancing of immediate team needs and long-term rebuilding plans for front offices.
Table of Contents
Kyle Finnegan: The 2025 MLB Trade Deadline’s Bullpen Anchor in Motion
What You Need to Know About Kyle Finnegan
Cubs Interest: A Rollercoaster Preceding the Tigers Deal
What This Means for the Teams and Fans
Why Kyle Finnegan’s Journey Matters
Kyle Finnegan: The 2025 MLB Trade Deadline’s Bullpen Anchor in Motion
As the 2025 MLB trade deadline heats up, right-handed closer Kyle Finnegan, once a steady back-end arm for the Washington Nationals, has become a significant topic of discussion across baseball circles. Recently, Finnegan was reportedly acquired by the Detroit Tigers from the Nationals, marking a major shift for the veteran pitcher and rekindling trade buzz involving the Chicago Cubs.
What You Need to Know About Kyle Finnegan
- Profile: 33-year-old right-hander, six-year MLB veteran
- Career highlights: 108 career saves, including a career-best 38 in 2024 and a three-time Nationals Pitcher of the Year
- 2025 season: Sixth in the National League with 20 saves and 26 save opportunities, despite some arm fatigue earlier this year
- Contract status: One-year deal worth $6 million, expiring
He debuted in the majors in 2020 after a long run in the Athletics’ minor league system, quickly turning into a reliable closer. Known for his durability and clutch performances, Finnegan remains a desirable bullpen asset for teams looking to bolster their late-inning relief options.
Cubs Interest: A Rollercoaster Preceding the Tigers Deal
Before the Tigers trade, the Chicago Cubs showed renewed interest in Finnegan, adding him to a shortlist that also included infielder Eugenio Suárez as they sought upgrades leading up to the deadline. The Cubs’ bullpen and third base have been areas of concern, and Finnegan fit the profile of a veteran reliever who could stabilize the pitching staff.
The Cubs’ farm system depth made them an attractive trade partner for Washington, poised to offer promising prospects in return. This connection between the two teams had been building since last year and gained traction with the Nationals’ front office changes—the firing of their manager and GM signaled a possible sell-off of veteran pieces like Finnegan.
However, the Cubs ultimately missed out as the Tigers swooped in, finalizing a deal that may give Detroit’s bullpen a needed boost.
What This Means for the Teams and Fans
- For the Tigers: Acquiring Finnegan adds an experienced closer to their bullpen amid a push to strengthen their team midseason.
- For the Nationals: Trading Finnegan aligns with their apparent strategy to rebuild and maximize assets before the season’s end.
- For the Cubs: Although missing out on Finnegan, the pursuit signals an aggressive approach at the deadline to address lineup weaknesses, alongside linked targets like Suárez.
Why Kyle Finnegan’s Journey Matters
Finnegan’s trade reflects larger MLB trends:
- Market for reliable closers: Teams value proven bullpen arms especially down the stretch.
- Deadline dynamics: Front offices must balance immediate competitive needs with long-term rebuilding.
- Player valuation shifts: Veteran players on expiring contracts often become prime targets for buyers and sellers.
For fans, Finnegan’s move offers a narrative of veteran resilience and strategic maneuvering as the 2025 season approaches its critical phase.
FAQ
What is Kyle Finnegan’s career highlight?
Finnegan has amassed 108 career saves, including a career-best 38 in 2024, and has been named a Nationals Pitcher of the Year three times.
Which team recently acquired Finnegan?
The Detroit Tigers recently acquired Kyle Finnegan from the Washington Nationals.
Did the Cubs miss out on Finnegan?
Yes, despite their interest, the Cubs ultimately missed out when the Tigers finalized the deal.