Kyle Finnegan Emerges as Tigers’ Trade Surprise with Stellar Bullpen Performance
The Detroit Tigers have made headlines this season, particularly with their acquisition of Kyle Finnegan, who has exceeded expectations despite dealing with injuries. The Tigers were in desperate need of bullpen reinforcement as the MLB trade deadline approached, and Finnegan has proven to be a key contributor.
Strategic Moves Leading Up to the Deadline
Heading into the trade deadline, the Tigers were searching for reliable relief pitching to bolster their roster. With a bullpen that struggled to generate swings and misses, the team needed a savvy acquisition—one with late-game experience. Instead of chasing top-tier options like David Bednar from the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Tigers opted for a more understated approach.
In a series of trades, they brought in Finnegan from the Washington Nationals, along with Rafael Montero from the Atlanta Braves, Paul Sewald from the Cleveland Guardians, and Codi Heuer from the Texas Rangers. The underwhelming reaction from analysts and fans alike reflected the perception that these moves lacked the star power needed to spark excitement.
Finnegan’s Transformative Impact
However, Finnegan has quickly become the standout player from this group, earning recognition as one of the best acquisitions of the trade season. His performance has drawn attention from various analysts, with Ryan Phillips of Sports Illustrated ranking him among the top ten trade deadline deals this year. Had it not been for his recent injury, his standing might have been even higher.
Since joining the Tigers, Finnegan has undergone significant adjustments to his pitching strategy. Previously, with the Nationals, he relied heavily on his fastball, throwing it nearly two-thirds of the time. The Tigers’ coaching staff revamped his approach, resulting in a drop in fastball usage to 42.8% and a dramatic increase in the use of his splitter.
The results have been nothing short of remarkable. Finnegan has delivered 12 scoreless appearances spanning 14.1 innings, racking up 19 strikeouts for an impressive 11.9 K/9 rate. His ability to confound hitters has made him an invaluable asset in the late innings, a role the Tigers sorely need.
Injury Concerns and Recovery
Unfortunately, Finnegan’s journey has not been without challenges. While preparing to enter a game against the New York Mets on September 3, he sustained a groin injury that placed him on the injured list. The Tigers have missed the opportunity to utilize his talents during critical moments, but his ongoing recovery brings a sense of optimism.
As the playoffs approach, the Tigers are eager to reintegrate him into their roster. It’s essential for Finnegan to regain game readiness without being thrown into high-pressure situations immediately. A gradual return will be crucial for him and the team as they aim to make a postseason push.
Looking Ahead
Finnegan’s emergence as a key player highlights the unpredictability of trade outcomes in Major League Baseball. The Tigers’ decision to acquire him may not have generated immediate fanfare, but his performance has transformed him into an under-the-radar gem. As he works back from injury, the Tigers hope to harness his capabilities for a deep playoff run, underscoring the importance of strategic trades in reshaping a team’s fortunes.
