Kyle Finnegan, the right-handed reliever for the Washington Nationals, has become a highly sought-after trade candidate as the MLB trade deadline approaches. After six seasons with the Nationals, the team’s rebuilding status and poor performance have made Finnegan available, raising questions about which club will acquire him and impact the NL East race.
Likely Move Within the NL East Division
Experts suggest that Finnegan is likely to remain within the NL East, given his value to contending teams in the division. Sam Blum of The Athletic points out,
“Now on an expiring contract, he’s of no use to a team that is far out of the playoff race, largely because of its awful bullpen.”
—Sam Blum, Sports Journalist
This viewpoint aligns with the Nationals’ need to trade assets before they lose value, leaving teams closer to playoff contention as the prime candidates. Both the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets, leading NL East competitors, face significant bullpen challenges and could benefit significantly from Finnegan’s steady presence.
Philly and New York’s Bullpen Needs Create Trade Pressure
Philadelphia Phillies’ President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski is known for his willingness to trade prospects in order to strengthen his team’s playoff push. The Phillies see Finnegan as a potential late-game weapon to solidify their bullpen as they fight for the division. Meanwhile, Mets President David Stearns, typically cautious with trades, may feel compelled to pursue Finnegan aggressively because of the Mets’ evident bullpen weaknesses.
How Finnegan Could Influence the NL East Division Race
The acquisition of Kyle Finnegan could be a decisive factor in the tight NL East playoff race. Both the Phillies and Mets are competing intensely for supremacy, and Finnegan’s experience and reliability in crucial relief innings might give his new team a critical advantage down the stretch. As both clubs weigh their options, Finnegan’s addition could be the key difference-maker to secure the division crown.
Rebuilding Nationals Seek Maximum Return as Deadline Approaches
The Nationals, now in full rebuilding mode, aim to extract top value by trading Finnegan before his contract expires. For Finnegan, joining a contender provides an opportunity to pitch in meaningful, high-stakes games, possibly even facing his former team in the postseason. This trade has generated considerable buzz, as it promises to reshape the NL East dynamics just weeks before playoff rosters are finalized.
What Lies Ahead for the NL East and Kyle Finnegan
The upcoming trade deadline could markedly alter the balance of the NL East, with Finnegan’s destination playing a pivotal role in the division’s outcome. Fans and teams alike are watching closely as negotiations unfold, knowing that the reliever’s move may influence the trajectory of both the Phillies and Mets during the crucial final stretch of the season.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What is Kyle Finnegan’s salary?
A. Kyle Finnegan has signed a one-year contract with the Washington Nationals worth $6 million.
Q. How much does Kyle Finnegan make?
A. Kyle Finnegan agreed to a one-year deal with the Washington Nationals for $6,000,000. This contract guarantees him the full amount. In 2025, he will have both a base and total salary of $6,000,000.
Q. Is Kyle Finnegan married?
A. Throughout his ups and downs with the Athletics, he had strong support. His wife, Rachel, kept the family steady, pursued a career in human resources, and motivated Finnegan. Thanks to her encouragement, he achieved his goal by debuting with the Nationals in the Major Leagues in 2020 when he was 28.