Tigers Re-Sign Kyle Finnegan

Bassyonni

ago 3 hours

The Detroit Tigers are re-signing veteran reliever Kyle Finnegan for a two-year contract worth $19 million, with an additional $1 million available in bonuses. This development adds to a rapidly shifting relief market.

Kyle Finnegan’s Journey with the Tigers

Finnegan, originally acquired from the Washington Nationals at the trade deadline, had a mixed performance prior to his acquisition. At that time, he boasted a 4.38 earned run average and a strikeout rate below 20%. However, the Tigers saw potential for improvement.

Pitch Mix Modification

In Washington, Finnegan primarily utilized his fastball about 66% of the time. He had a 30% usage rate for his splitter and occasionally pitched a slider. The Tigers encouraged him to enhance his splitter usage significantly. As a result, Finnegan’s splitter usage rose to over 55% in September and during the postseason.

Performance Metrics

Allowed only three runs in 16 regular season innings after joining the Tigers.
Achieved 23 strikeouts out of 66 batters faced, significantly increasing his strikeout rate.
Recorded four saves and three holds while minimizing his lead losses.
Missed some time in September due to a groin strain but regained a high-leverage role quickly.
Posted a 3.47 ERA with a 24% strikeout rate over a total of 57 innings across both teams.

Strategic Importance of the Deal

This contract marks the first multi-year deal of Finnegan’s career. The Tigers aim to bolster their bullpen, which struggled, ranking 25th in strikeout rate last season. Finnegan and fellow reliever Will Vest will likely handle crucial late-game situations.

Future Considerations

Detroit’s projected payroll will increase to approximately $157 million, reflecting a commitment to reinvest in their roster. The Tigers plan to enhance their bullpen further, seeking additional right-handed options to complement their current lineup, which includes Tyler Holton and Brant Hurter as their primary left-handed relievers.

The Landscape of Free Agency

With Finnegan’s signing, several significant relievers remain on the market. Notable unsigned players include Robert Suarez, Kenley Jansen, and Tyler Rogers. The Tigers will continue monitoring these options as they finalize their roster.

The re-signing of Kyle Finnegan underscores the Tigers’ strategy to fortify their bullpen, emphasizing the potential for improvement through adjusted pitching tactics and strategic player commitments.