The Washington Nationals bullpen is already a painful sight of the eyes, but imagine a place where Kyle Finnegan is not in the unit. That could easily become a reality after an All-Star close relative was untendered in November. However, neither Nats nor Finnegan were able to find a better partner, so they were reunited on a one-year contract.
So far, the last year’s contract has been a huge success. At 33, he has an ERA of 1.69 in 10.2 innings so far this season. He is also 9/9 with a save opportunity to start the season. The Nats put Finnegan in some tough spots to start the season, but he has delivered every time up until now.
Last night was the latest example of Finnegan streaming in tight locations. It was a classic Finnegan, putting the game at risk in base traffic before closing the door and earning a nut at the ballpark.
Last night, Finnegan allowed two singles to Gunner Henderson and Ryan Mount Castle, making one second, one at a time. However, he hit Tyler O’Neill and had Heston Kejalstad pop up to finish the ball game.
Many bailers have come over the past few years. Good things, some aren’t that good. But Kyle Finnegan was a constant. He never really approached the elite, but he got the job done and is reliable. Because that’s always happening in seasons where Finnegan struggles. He is not going to maintain a 1.69 ERA, especially with a 1.41 whip.
However, right-handers stepped up when they were most important. Whether it’s five saves against the Dodgers or locking down a one-run victory over the O’s, Finnegan will get the job done.
I know the Kyle Finnegan package, but he made some tweaks that could make 2025 one of his better seasons. He’s throwing him More splitterbumps the pitch usage from 26.9% to 37.7%. Finnegan used a fastball. This made the pitch more effective despite the slightest speed.
At the end of the day, Finnegan will likely enter the era in the mid-3rd generation. Because it’s the place every year. But I would like to thank a guy like Finnegan along with some of this bullpen joker.
He is never dominant, but you know what to expect every year. Many relief pitchers go back and forth between great and bad years. Believe it or not, in 2023, Lucas Sims and Colin Pouch both had better seasons than Finnegan. But those people are inconsistent. Finnegan has that, we know what to expect every year.
Perhaps the answer to building a bullpen in free agency is to try and find credibility rather than chasing upside down. This is easier than that, as it doesn’t make it cheaper to trust. He was gambling as the other bailers and Mike Rizzo entered the offseason. But he knew exactly what he was getting with Kyle Finnegan.
It’s difficult for the nation to imagine a place where the All-Stars aren’t approaching. I really hope that Finnegan can get Franchise Records with Saves. He deserves it as to how he pitched so far this season.
