Kyle Finnegan Re-Signs With Detroit Tigers
Just when you thought the MLB offseason was settling into its usual winter slumber, the Detroit Tigers decided to make some noise. The bullpen, a source of endless drama and late-inning heartburn, was priority number one on the offseason to-do list. The Tigers and Closer Kyle Finnegan have shaken hands on a two-year, $19 million deal.
Why Keeping Finnegan Is a No-Brainer
Let’s face it, letting Finnegan walk would have been a catastrophic blunder. After coming over from the Washington Nationals at the trade deadline, he was nothing short of electric for the Tigers. In his brief but impactful stint, he pitched 18 innings, allowed a measly three runs, and posted a slick 23-to-4 strikeout-to-walk ratio. It was one of the most dominant stretches of his career, and it came at the perfect time for a team clawing its way toward the postseason.
This isn’t just about the numbers, though. It’s about stability. It’s about having a guy you can trust when the game is on the line. At 34, Finnegan isn’t some fresh-faced rookie; he’s a seasoned veteran with ice in his veins and a fastball that still has plenty of juice. He’s seen it all, and bringing that experience back to a bullpen that sometimes looked like it was held together with duct tape and prayers is an absolute game-changer.
Pairing him with Will Vest at the back end of the bullpen creates a one-two punch that should give Manager A.J. Hinch a little more room to breathe in the ninth inning.
What This Means For the Tigers In 2026
Bringing Finnegan back isn’t just a move for today; it’s a statement of intent for the future. The Tigers are hungry. They tasted the postseason, and now they want the whole dang meal. Securing a reliable closer like Finnegan is a massive step toward building a team that can not only compete but also win in October.
The front office knows that a championship team is built on a rock-solid foundation, and a dependable bullpen is a critical part of that. While the deal isn’t officially official until the ink is dry and the physical is passed, Tigers fans can sleep a little easier. The team just got tougher, more experienced, and a whole lot scarier for opponents.
