Detroit Tigers face pivotal offseason with Skubal trade talks and Finnegan’s free agency
The Detroit Tigers are entering a critical offseason, grappling with significant decisions that could shape the future of the franchise. At the center of the conversation is their pitching ace, Tarik Skubal, who remains under team control until 2026. Yet, his rising prominence has led to rampant speculation about his potential trade value.
Skubal’s Value Soars
Skubal’s stock has never been higher. As a two-time Cy Young Award winner, he has solidified his position as one of baseball’s most formidable pitchers. The question looms: should the Tigers consider trading him? Conventional wisdom suggests that dealing a player of Skubal’s caliber, especially when he could command astronomical return value, might be tempting. However, the consensus is clear—Skubal should remain a cornerstone of the Tigers’ roster.
Instead of focusing on trade rumors surrounding their ace, the Tigers need to shift their attention to securing talent that can help elevate the team in the immediate future.
The Emergence of Kyle Finnegan
One player who has emerged as a critical asset is relief pitcher Kyle Finnegan. Acquired at the trade deadline, Finnegan stepped into a dire situation where Detroit desperately needed a reliable closer. His arrival couldn’t have been more timely, and now, as he heads into free agency, he has become a priority for the organization.
Finnegan, now 34, was drafted in 2013 but made his Major League debut with the Washington Nationals in July 2020. Throughout his six seasons in the league, he has consistently delivered strong performances, never posting an ERA above 3.99. His overall career numbers reflect his effectiveness:
3.55 ERA
1.15 WHIP
343 strikeouts in 347 innings
Opponent’s batting average of .239
However, it was with the Tigers that Finnegan truly flourished, registering an impressive 1.50 ERA and a minuscule 0.72 WHIP, while holding opponents to a mere .153 batting average in his 16 appearances. Such dominance is a testament to his adaptability and skill, especially in the high-pressure role of a closer.
Locking Down Finnegan
As Detroit navigates the complexities of their pitching staff, the focus must pivot away from entertaining trade talks about Skubal. Instead, the Tigers must prioritize re-signing Finnegan before another franchise capitalizes on his talents. The rarity of a pitcher switching teams mid-season and immediately delivering over 14 scoreless innings cannot be overstated, underscoring the importance of his contributions to the team.
The last time an MLB reliever achieved such a feat was in 2018, and for the Tigers, the last comparable performance dates back to 1983. Finnegan’s performance has set a high bar, and the Tigers must act swiftly to ensure he remains part of their future plans.
In this critical offseason, the Tigers have a chance to solidify their roster’s foundation by focusing on the right priorities, starting with retaining their newly acquired gem in the bullpen.
