Nationals Bring Back Kyle Finnegan: What to Make of Move

Kyle Finnegan, a 2024 NL All-Star, didn’t find a home this past winter and started 2025 Spring Training as arguably the best free agent reliever left on the board. The Nationals are reportedly bring back Finnegan on a one-year deal, as he returns to the place where he broke out as a Major League reliever.

A Look at Finnegan

It took former Athletics prospect Kyle Finnegan seven years to go from MLB Draft pick to Major League pitcher. A former starter in the Oakland farm system, Finnegan moved to the bullpen in 2016 and floated between Double-A and Triple-A from 2017-19.

Finnegan got his first break in 2020 during the shortened season and quickly established himself as a strong option for manager Davey Martinez. He notched 11 saves in 2021-22, before became the team’s full-time closer in 2023.

The Nationals reliever was a heavy fastball pitcher before 2023, using his four-seamer almost 80% of the time in 2022. The four-seamer doesn’t have above-average induced movement (15.8”) on the pitch. But, it does play up with his ability to extend over the mound and most importantly, the velocity. Finnegan can crank it up to 97-98 MPH with the offering.

However, the righty used his splitter more in 2023 and continued that trend last season. It’s a pitch he’ll often miss with. But, when Finnegan has a feel for it, has good downward depth that provides a much-needed change-of-pace pitch.

Finnegan often gives up hard contact — but not barreled-up balls. The 33-year-old has a penchant for getting ground balls, keeping the Barrel% (7.0%).

He’ll also use a slider, primarily against right-handed batters.

Kyle Finnegan pitch movement 2024 — Finnegan can have problems with the splitter. However, it’s a good offering when he has the feel for it. Finnegan also has a four-seamer with run.

The right-hander was one of the best relievers in baseball over the last two seasons, in terms of collecting saves. Finnegan’s 66 saves were fourth-most between 2023-24. The only relievers with more were Emmanuel Clase (91), Josh Hader (67), and Raisel Iglesias (67).

Finnegan made his first All-Star Game last July. However, he was one of several notable relievers to be non-tendered in November.

Per multiple reports, the Nationals will bring back Kyle Finnegan on a one-year deal worth $6MM. Finnegan made $5.1MM in 2024.

Analysis

Finnegan likely would have received a salary higher than $6MM in arbitration, given his 38-save campaign and All-Star nod last year. So, the Nationals likely saved some money in the process. Additionally, Washington brings back one of their key players from 2024.

Now, the move does mean Finnegan moves into the projected closer spot for 2025. The Nats added righty-hander Jorge Lopez, a former All-Star closer with Baltimore, on a one-year deal and also have Zach Brzykcy waiting in the wings as their likely future closer.

Finnegan, though, has held the role for each of the last two seasons in Washington.