Right-hander Kyle Finnegan was quick to say after the season that he enjoyed his time in Detroit after coming over in a deadline deal with the Nationals and that he’d be open to a return. Tigers GM Jeff Greenberg tells Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press that the interest is mutual, citing Finnegan’s open-mindedness to the adjustments the Tigers suggested as well as his strong results and his “impact” in the clubhouse.
A year ago at this time, Finnegan was coming off a brutal finish to his 2024 season and was actually non-tendered by the Nats. Petzold reports that the Tigers had interest in him last offseason, but Finnegan opted to return to Washington on a lesser guarantee ($6MM) than his projected arbitration price — particularly when factoring in some deferred money. Finnegan bounced back with a solid first four months in D.C., but it was the trade to the Tigers that really seemed to elevate his status. New coaching and a much heavier slate of data tailored to his strengths and weaknesses coaxed a new level of performance out of Finnegan. He’s always thrown hard but never missed bats like one might expect from someone sitting 97 mph with his heater.
The Tigers had Finnegan throw his splitter at career-high rates and slightly raised the horizontal release point on both his four-seamer and splitter. He rattled off 18 innings with a 1.50 ERA, 34.8% strikeout rate and 6.1% walk rate. Finnegan didn’t miss many bats in the postseason but was clearly one of A.J. Hinch’s most trusted relievers both in the regular season and in the playoffs.
Detroit’s bullpen is in dire need of upgrades. Will Vest, Tyler Holton, Brant Hurter and Brenan Hanifee all posted quality earned run averages, but Holton and Hanifee both logged well below-average strikeout rates. Neither Hanifee nor Hurter was used regularly in high-leverage spots. Meanwhile, veteran relievers Rafael Montero, Tommy Kahnle and Paul Sewald all hit free agency alongside Finnegan.
The Tigers have been linked to both Devin Williams and Ryan Helsley thus far in the offseason, though their interest in Helsley was reportedly as a starting pitcher and he’s since signed on as the Orioles’ new closer. President of baseball operations Scott Harris has spoken openly about a desire to improve the lineup’s contact rate, but Greenberg has publicly stated that pitching is the top priority early in the offseason. The Tigers are looking around the rotation market even after Jack Flaherty exercised his 2026 player option to return, and the GM has been frank in stating that he and Harris “certainly” need to add some quality relief arms.
Finny is one of those guys whose heart truly beats slower the higher the pressure gets. Unfortunately some of those moments are of his own doing, but regardless, if his improvements with the Kitties is real, he should be coveted. I’m surprised he wasn’t last year, frankly. The end results outweigh the underlying stuff when you watch him.
Tigers bring back Verlander and sign Merrill Kelly and Ranger Suarez. This not giving them a total rebuild persona. While adding Devin Williams and Hunter Harvey for the bullpen. Only signing positional player CF Harrison Bader. Those moves I believe would improve their odds of winning the AL Central without a total rebuild. Tigers have just enough system to rely on in case of injuries.
If only it were that easy. For Kelly, Suarez, and Williams, the Tigers have to outbid 10-15 other teams that are realistic landing spots for their services.
Love to see that verlander reunion thou !
The Tigers signing like 5 MLBTR Top 50 Free Agents and another solid reliever would “..improve their odds of winning the AL Central..”? Cutting edge stuff here
I get how MLB free agency is a much slower process than other major sports. But if there is “mutual interest’ then quit screwing around and git ‘r done!
So they want to sign Finn again?
He had whiskers on his chinnegan.
I should have just picked everyone to resign with their old club…
I had a hard time with this year’s contest, I got a few correct though!
The high priced guys usually go elsewhere, usually the mid to low tier guys who re-sign.
At least, generally. There are always exceptions like Arson…I mean Aaron Judge.
Unless they go all in this year, trade Skubal at the deadline.
I hope they come to an agreement… Finnegan is the best option for them out of all the FA relievers. So glad Helsley didn’t wind up here, and especially on such a terrible contract like Baltimore gave him. And I really hope they don’t bring in Devin Williams, he was absolutely horrible last year and I don’t think he’s ever going to be the guy he was in Milwaukee ever again.
If they do sign Devin, I’m sure Fetters will get him back on track. Plus they would be getting him for less due to the platform he’s coming off of. NYY seldom mess with their signings for the better. Just ask Gray. They couldn’t leave well enough alone.
@Luke Strong Devin Williams and Pete Fairbanks are both just as affordable and better closers in my opinion over Finnegan. But I do like Finnegan, he is just not as good as those other two
Agree on Finnegan but like Styme said I think Fetter gets Williams back to where he was. I think they are both worth the gamble.
Huh? The Helsley contract is terrible? No
Yes, absolutely terrible contract for Helsley… he was dreadfully awful with the Mets last season- the worst pitcher in the league… and BAL gave him two years but an opt out… if he doesn’t get it back together, they could be stuck with a sub-replacement level pitcher who would then opt-in to the second year and Baltimore would be stuck.
He was bad for a month. He’s 31 and still averages 99 on his heater. Also, seven of his last eight appearances at the end of the season were scoreless, post-pitch tipping “catch.”
Methinks you’re not a sound judge.
Go Tigers – I need another check mark on the contest!
Good luck Longtimecoming. I hope you correctly predict quite a few!
Thank you and you as well. Looking back I think maybe 8-10 as a fair outcome which will exceed my 7 all time high!
It just seems like there are more semi-obvious choices this year.
I think it might take more than ever to win it.
Interesting
Finnegan fit right in. Begin again Finnegan. He rolled into whatever inning he was chosen to pitch in. He didn’t make the fans nervous when he came into the game, and that’s big security feeling Detroit hasn’t had very often. Hope he signs. GO TIGERS !
Josh Naylor enjoyed his time in Seattle, and he signed. I think Detroit could too.
Tigers do need an arm to complement Vest in the pen, but they also need a 3B. Okamoto should be someone they look into. He is younger than Bregman, and should be much cheaper. Its been disappointing that there have been no rumors between them.
Tigers need to quit pharting around and sign the guy. He is one player who sounded sincere about wanting to return to DET. It’s not like he’s the only one they need to sign. Is Harris trying to pinch pennies again?