Is Kyle Finnegan the Key to Fixing the Detroit Tigers’ Bullpen?
The Detroit Tigers’ bullpen was a significant weak point in 2024, and addressing it this offseason is paramount. While numerous free agents will be considered, one name stands out as a particularly shrewd and potentially high-impact acquisition: right-hander Kyle Finnegan. His brief but electrifying stint with the Tigers suggests a fix isn’t just possible, but potentially within reach – and at a reasonable cost.
From Non-Tendered to Tigers’ Treasure: Finnegan’s Transformation
Finnegan’s journey to Detroit was circuitous. Non-tendered by the Washington Nationals after a 38-save season deemed too expensive for his performance, he was flipped to the Tigers at the trade deadline for prospects RJ Sales and Josh Randall. Many viewed the move as a low-risk, moderate-reward addition – a solid reliever, but hardly a game-changer. They were wrong.
The Tigers didn’t just acquire a pitcher; they unlocked one. The key? A dramatic shift in pitch usage. Detroit prioritized Finnegan’s splitter, increasing its frequency from 30% to 55% of his pitches. This, coupled with a more judicious use of his fastball and a slight adjustment to his arm angle, triggered a remarkable transformation. His strikeout rate jumped from 23% with Washington to a stunning 35% in Detroit.
The Numbers Tell a Story – But What Do They Really Mean?
Finnegan’s 1.50 ERA with the Tigers certainly grabs attention, but as any baseball analyst will tell you, ERA isn’t the whole story. “Luck” stats like BABIP (.211) and LOB% (86.2%) were undeniably favorable. However, dismissing his performance as purely lucky overlooks crucial improvements in his underlying metrics. His barrel and hard-hit rates decreased, indicating better contact suppression. More importantly, his contact rate dropped significantly, suggesting he was genuinely fooling hitters.
But a 16-game sample size is notoriously small. Is this a sustainable improvement, or simply a hot streak? Finnegan has shown flashes of brilliance before, but never quite to this degree. Looking at his career strikeout and walk rates in 16-game stretches reveals a pattern of peaks and valleys. While he’s had similar stretches, none reached the strikeout rates he achieved in Detroit. This, combined with the pitch mix changes, suggests a legitimate breakout is plausible.
The Market and the Tigers’ Advantage
Finnegan is projected to land in the second tier of free agent relievers, alongside arms like Luke Weaver and Emilio Pagan. These players typically sign for 2-year deals under $25 million. This price point is remarkably reasonable for a pitcher who, with the right adjustments, could become a high-leverage weapon. The Tigers have a significant advantage: they already know what works with Finnegan. They’ve already demonstrated the ability to unlock his potential.
Beyond the Stats: The Intangibles
Beyond the data, there’s the matter of clubhouse fit. Reports suggest Finnegan integrated seamlessly into the Tigers’ culture. This is often overlooked, but a positive clubhouse environment can contribute significantly to player performance. Re-signing Finnegan isn’t just about acquiring a talented arm; it’s about bringing back a player who complements the existing team dynamic.
The Risk and the Reward: A Calculated Gamble
There’s always risk involved in free agency, and Finnegan is no exception. His groin injury late in the season raises concerns about his durability. However, the potential reward – a dominant reliever at a reasonable price – outweighs the risk. The Tigers have a clear understanding of how to maximize Finnegan’s abilities, and a proven track record of success with him.
The Tigers’ bullpen needs a facelift, and Kyle Finnegan offers a cost-effective, high-upside solution. Sometimes, the simplest answer is the right one. Detroit should prioritize bringing him back and building on the success they achieved together.
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