Kyle Finnegan Added to National League All Star Roster as Replacement

When the All Star Rosters were first announced just over a week ago, many were thrilled for CJ Abrams being named the Nationals' lone representative while many more were outraged that both pitchers Jake Irvin and Kyle Finnegan were left off the rosters. With Irvin pitching in the final game prior to the break, he was not a candidate to participate in the All Star Game regardless, let alone be named a replacement. That is not the case for Kyle Finnegan, however, as the Nationals reliever was named to the National League All Star roster today as a replacement.

While he was left off the initial roster, it is hard to argue that Kyle Finnegan is not deserving. Finnegan has been one of the best closers in all of baseball this season and now has his first career All Star selection to show for it. Through 41 games, Finnegan has a 2.45 ERA with a 1.02 WHIP and is 25 for 29 in Saves, good for second in the National League only behind St. Louis Cardinals' closer Ryan Helsley, who Finnegan is replacing in the All Star Game.

Finnegan now joins Tyler Clippard and Matt Capps as the only relievers in Nationals history to earn All Star honors. While the Nationals historically have not been built on the strength of their bullpens, it does go to show how difficult it can be for relievers to crack the All Star roster.

In addition to giving Finnegan the recognition he deserves, it also certainly provides the Nationals with more leverage in potential trade talks in the coming weeks. Finnegan drew plenty of interest last season, but still had 2.5 years remaining of team control and the Nationals felt it too early to let Finnegan go. Now, with another year passed and only 1.5 years remaining, and now an All Star selection on Finnegan's resume, the Nationals will likely get even more interest in their closer. They already traded away their setup man Hunter Harvey in a deal over the weekend, which could signal more moves on the horizon. Like Finnegan, Harvey had 1.5 years remaining on his current deal.

In the meantime, the Kyle Finnegan and CJ Abrams will represent the Nationals down in Dallas for the All Star Game. It is the first time the Nationals have had multiple All Star selections since 2021 when they had four representatives, all of which were traded within the next calendar year. We will see if Finnegan has a similar path.