Nationals Re-Sign Kyle Finnegan To One-Year Deal
48 seconds agoThe Washington Nationals are re-signing right-handed reliever Kyle Finnegan to a one-year, $6 million deal on Tuesday, sources told ESPN's Jesse Rogers. The All-Star closer will return to D.C. after the Nationals non-tendered him late last year. The 33-year-old had a 3.68 ERA (4.25 FIP), 1.33 WHIP, a career-high 38 saves, 60 strikeouts and 24 walks in 63 2/3 relief innings for Washington in 2024 and should now be considered the favorite for closing duties again in 2025. Other than the 33-year-old, the Nationals' best options for high-leverage innings late in games are Jorge Lopez and Jose A. Ferrer, which makes sense why the Nationals chose to bring Finnegan back to pitch the ninth. Finnegan also had 28 saves in 2023, but his elevated hard-hit rate last year could be a sign of trouble to come. Even though the Nats don't have other great closing options, Finnegan could be on a short leash.
Source: ESPN Chicago - Jesse Rogers
Source: ESPN Chicago - Jesse Rogers