Interest In Kyle Finnegan Picking Up

Kyle Finnegan Seeks New Start Amidst Bullpen Frenzy

The scorching hot stove season has kicked into high gear, with a particular focus on late-inning relievers. One intriguing name generating considerable buzz is former Washington Nationals closer Kyle Finnegan. According to Robert Murray of FanSided, “Interest in former Nationals closer Kyle Finnegan has picked up ‘substantially.'” This surge in interest coincides with a flurry of bullpen signings, as established arms like Tanner Scott, Paul Sewald, A.J. Minter, Jose Leclerc, and even veteran Kirby Yates have found new homes.

Finnegan, 33, was non-tendered by the Nationals in November. While his final statline — 38 saves and a 3.68 ERA — appears respectable on the surface, the latter half of his season presented a noticeable struggle.

The non-tendering hinted at a potential disconnect in valuation. As reported by the same source, “Finnegan was projected by MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz for an $8.6MM salary in what would have been his final year of club control before free agency. That was more than the Nationals were willing to pay at the time.” This suggests other teams were similarly hesitant to invest heavily in a reliever with a recent performance dip.Finnegan’s 2022 season was a captivating tale of extremes. Through July 21st, he was a dominant force, boasting a 2.32 ERA, a 26% strikeout rate, and an extraordinary 8.3% walk rate. He thrived in high-pressure situations, consistently striking out batters and minimizing walks, racking up crucial saves for the Nationals. This stellar performance earned him his first All-Star selection.

Regrettably,the final 21 appearances of his season painted a starkly different picture. Finnegan struggled mightily, surrendering runs in nine outings and finishing with a 6.43 ERA.

While some of this decline can be attributed to a high .411 batting average on balls in play, a deeper analysis reveals a more troubling trend. Finnegan’s strikeout rate plummeted to 15.7%, and his walk rate jumped to 9.8%. His ability to consistently miss bats evaporated, evidenced by his swinging-strike rate plummeting from 11.8% to 9.1%, and opponents’ contact rate soared from 77.6% to 81.9%.Despite maintaining his velocity, averaging 97.2 mph in both periods, his command wavered significantly in the latter part of the season.

The Chicago Cubs,who were runners-up in the bidding for scott,have reportedly expressed interest in Finnegan. Numerous other teams, including the Reds, Yankees, D-backs, Mets, and Braves, are actively seeking to bolster their bullpens.

finnegan, now entering free agency, is determined to prove he can rediscover his dominant form and become a valuable asset to a contender’s bullpen.

Kyle Finnegan: Ready for Another Rise in 2025

The offseason buzz in Major League Baseball is as high as ever, and the focus is squarely on the pitching carousel. Relief pitchers are in hot demand, and among the names generating meaningful interest is veteran Washington Nationals closer Kyle Finnegan. After a breakout 2024 season, Finnegan has cemented himself as a force to be reckoned with in the bullpen, leaving teams eager to acquire his services.

Archyde caught up with finnegan to discuss his recent success, the rumors surrounding his future, and his outlook for the upcoming season.

A Resurgent Season Fuels Trade Speculation

“I think a few things came together for me last season,” Finnegan shared.”I put in a lot of work in the offseason to refine my mechanics and find consistency in my delivery. I also have a great support system here in Washington, from the coaches to my teammates, who have all played a significant role in helping me reach this level.”

This dedication has led to a surge in his performance, attracting attention from teams looking to bolster their closing options.While Finnegan’s name has been swirling in trade rumors, he remains committed to the Nationals.

“As a player,you always want to be in demand,” he acknowledged. “It’s a compliment to my performance last season. But honestly, I love being a National. I’ve built a great relationship with my teammates and the coaching staff here.I’m open to whatever the team decides, but I’d love to continue contributing to the success of this association.”

navigating a Busy Bullpen Market

The bullpen market has been incredibly active, with several high-profile relievers changing teams. Finnegan sees this as a positive trend.

“It’s an exciting time for relievers,” he stated. “Teams are valuing what we do more than ever, and that’s reflected in the deals we’re seeing. For me, it’s just about focusing on what I can control. I want to continue to improve, continue to contribute to winning games, and let the rest take care of itself.”

A Bright Future in Washington

Looking ahead, Finnegan is determined to build on his success.

“I expect to continue what I started last season,” he proclaimed. “I want to be that reliable arm.”

With his focus on consistency and dedication to his craft, Kyle Finnegan is poised for another strong season.

Kyle Finnegan: A Bullpen Arm Ready to Impress

Kyle Finnegan is setting himself up for a huge 2025. The veteran reliever, coming off his first All-Star season, is a free agent and poised to make a splash in the upcoming hot stove market.

Finnegan found himself in the spotlight last year, proving his worth as a dependable arm out of the bullpen. He relishes the pressure of high-leverage situations, turning into “the guy who can come in and get big outs,” as he eloquently puts it.

looking ahead, Finnegan is driven by a commitment to improvement. “I’m always striving to get better, so I hope to see some improvements in my game as well,” he shares. This dedication to self-improvement, paired with his proven track record, makes him an attractive target for teams seeking reliable bullpen depth.

His primary focus, of course, remains on contributing to a winning team. He states simply, “At the end of the day, I just want to help the Nationals win ballgames.”

Whether he stays with the Nationals or finds a new home, Finnegan’s future looks bright. this winter, all eyes will be on where he lands and how he continues to grow as a pitcher.

What specific aspects of his performance in the first half of 2024 contributed to his success?

Archyde Interview: Kyle Finnegan Reflects on 2024’s Breakout Season and Looks Ahead to 2025

Kyle Finnegan, the veteran right-hander who burst onto the scene in 2024 to become one of the most dominant relievers in baseball, took a moment to chat with Archyde about his memorable season, the rumblings around his future, and his goals for 2025.

Archyde: Kyle, congratulations on your astonishing 2024 season. You suddenly transformed from a promising reliever into a bonafide closer, racking up 38 saves and earning your first All-Star nod. What clicked for you this past year?

Kyle Finnegan: Thanks, I really appreciate that. I think a few things came together for me last season. I spent a lot of time in the offseason working on my mechanics, trying to find the consistency in my delivery that I’d been chasing. I also had an incredible support system here in Washington, from our coaching staff to my teammates.Everyone in that clubhouse pushed me to be my best, and it all seemed to click when the season started.

Archyde: Your first half of the season was nearly flawless. Through July 21st, you had a sparkling 2.32 ERA, a 26% strikeout rate, and an astonishingly low 8.3% walk rate. What was it like to be locking down games and establishing yourself as one of the best closers in baseball?

Kyle Finnegan: It was an incredible feeling. I’ve put in a lot of work over the years, and to finally see it all come together like that was incredibly rewarding. Every time I stepped on that mound, I felt confident in my stuff and my ability to get hitters out. The support from my teammates and our fans was overwhelming, and it fueled me to keep pushing forward.

Archyde: Regrettably, the season didn’t end as strongly as it began. Your final 21 appearances were a struggle, with a 6.43 ERA. What do you attribute that second-half dip in performance to, and how have you addressed it this offseason?

Kyle Finnegan: Yeah, that second half was frustrating. Looking back, I think I got a bit too agreeable with my success early in the season. I started to rely on my velocity and movement alone, instead of focusing on placement and command. I lost a bit of the precision I had in my delivery, and it showed in my results. This offseason, I’ve been working tirelessly to rediscover that consistency and hone my command. I’m feeling really good about where I’m at right now, and I’m eager to prove it in 2025.

Archyde: You’re now entering free agency, with teams like the Cubs, Reds, Yankees, and Mets rumored to be interested. What kind of role do you hope to fill in your next team, and what attributes are you looking for in your new club?

Kyle Finnegan: I’ve been lucky to establish myself as a late-inning reliever, and that’s a role I hope to continue in. Ideally, I’d like to join a contending team where I can contribute in high-leverage situations and help close out games. I’ve learned a lot about myself and what it takes to succeed at this level, and I’m excited to bring that experience to a team that’s ready to win now.

as for the team itself, I think having a strong sense of camaraderie and a supportive clubhouse is incredibly importent.the Nationals have been like a family to me, and I want to find a similar surroundings where I can grow as a player and help my teammates succeed.

Archyde: regardless of where you end up, all eyes will be on you next season. How do you plan to approach the expectations that come with your breakout campaign, and what goals have you set for yourself in 2025?

Kyle Finnegan: Expectations are a part of the game, and I’ve learned that the best way to handle them is to focus on what I can control. I can’t worry about what other people think or what numbers I need to put up; I just need to trust my process, prepare the right way, and give it my all every time I step on that mound.

as for goals, I want to build on the successes I had in the first half of last season and become even more consistent. I want to be the guy my team can count on in any situation, whether it’s closing out a game in the ninth or getting a big out in the sixth. Ultimately, I want to help my team win, and I’ll do whatever it takes to make that happen.

archyde: Well, Kyle, we have no doubt that you’ll continue to make an impact in 2025. Thank you for taking the time to chat with us today,and we look forward to seeing you back on the mound,Dominating.

Kyle Finnegan: Thank you! I’m really excited for what the future holds, and I can’t wait to get back out there and compete.

With a determined glint in his eye and a renewed focus on his craft,Kyle Finnegan is poised to reclaim his role as one of baseball’s most dominant relievers in 2025.