There’s no doubt that Kyle Finnegan has had his ups and downs as a National, but he is making a case to be an All Star early-on in this 2024 MLB season. Sure, he logged a dozen blown saves over the last two seasons, but there has never been a doubt about his “stuff.” Just look at what he did to the defending World Champions last week in what was probably his most dominant outing of the season.
Kyle Finnegan, K'ing the Side (and a game-ending Expelliarmus Splitter). pic.twitter.com/6tct2BfzBY
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) May 2, 2024
Not only has Finnegan been on a legacy stretch, not giving up a run in over a month, but he is also a high-quality person.
Prior to the season, the Nationals announced that Finnegan would be getting his very own bobblehead day on May 4th, the popular Star Wars themed day. He handed out some of his Star Wars-themed bobbleheads to some service members before his big day on Saturday.
May the 4th be with you!
— Nationals Communications (@NationalsComms) May 4, 2024
Kyle Finnegan surprised @SpaceForceDoD service members with an early look at his X-Wing Pilot bobblehead, which will be given out on #StarWarsDay at @NationalsPark. pic.twitter.com/s2NqeudePx
It was not long ago when I’d be displeased seeing Finnegan enter the game for the Nationals in a save situation, but he has been dominant so far in 2024. His four-seamer ranks in the 93rd percentile and his split-finger has batters looking silly. At age 32, it is great to see Finnegan finally putting it all together. He ranks second in baseball with 10 saves already this season, with only one blown opportunity. You could not ask for a better start to the season from the right-handed flamethrower, or a more perfectly-timed bobblehead night celebrating his Nationals tenure.
Newest edition to the bobblehead collection - X-Wing Pilot Kyle Finnegan from the @Nationals for Star Wars weekend! Always love the Star Wars connections for the May the 4th.
— Alex Flum (@AlexFlumTV) May 3, 2024
You can get one at the ballpark as part of a giveaway on Saturday! @DCNewsNow #DCNNGameNight pic.twitter.com/GsicXmHCmH
We are only 32 games into the 2024 MLB season, but when you look back at how the Nationals have been able to get back to .500 with limited offense, Kyle Finnegan’s name immediately comes up as one of the most important pieces early-on this year. Without him, would the Nationals have been able to secure so many close wins late in games? We have always known Finnegan has the “stuff” to be a closer in this league, but his pitch location in 2024 has led to his success.
When they announced the Finnegan bobblehead giveaway before the season, many thought it was an interesting move considering his struggles in recent years. Many Nats fans wanted Hunter Harvey to be the closer going into the season, but there is no doubt who the closer of this team is anymore. The team could not have timed his bobblehead giveaway any better, as Finnegan has yet to give up an earned run since March.
After the best month of his major league career, it is only right that Nationals fans celebrate Finnegan’s success at the park this weekend getting one of his bobbleheads, not to mention how cool it is for Star Wars fans to add to their collection. I will be heading to the park to not only collect one of these elite bobbleheads, but to celebrate Finnegan’s success. I hope he gets a chance to earn a save at Nats Park this weekend in front of the fans; he deserves more respect as one of the best closers in baseball right now.
The next time you see Finnegan exiting the bullpen on his way to the mound, be appreciative of Finnegan and his success in 2024. He has had his ups and downs, but it is not easy being a closer in this league. Right now, as he continues his dominance, appreciate how great we have it with Finnegan in the closer role in 2024. Let’s just hope he keeps this up and eventually earns an All Star vote in a couple of weeks.