On Friday, the Washington Nationals made headlines around the league when they chose not to tender a contract to right-hander and 2024 All-Star, Kyle Finnegan. While the news was surprising to many, it seems like more of the criticism, including from myself, came from the fact that General Manager Mike Rizzo likely could have dealt him for at least something of significance at the deadline instead of letting him walk for nothing.
However, with buzz from those with knowledge around the situation indicating that the club believed they were going to have a deal in place with the righty, could Kyle Finnegan still return to the Nationals? Perhaps, but is he even the best option in place? That's a whole other argument.
First of all, in case you missed my article yesterday outlining my 5 step plan for the Nationals to build a contender this offseason, you will notice that one of the points I had was for the team to bolster the back end of their bullpen. I chose to do this by trading for Pete Fairbanks to be the closer and signing veterans Phil Maton and AJ Minter to further add to the unit as a whole.
Truth be told, I've always liked Kyle Finnegan, however, despite his fantastic save numbers, I always saw him for what he truly is, which is an average to slightly above average reliever that likely wouldn't be able to be the closer on a truly competitive team. Now, that's not his fault, but for a club that seemingly has all the financial flexibility in the world to build a contender, surely they could stand to upgrade at the closer spot.
One thing I am curious about is if Finnegan would even be open to returning to the Nationals. If he were to come back, I would prefer if it was not in a closing role, but Finnegan has not been great in non-save situations over the last couple seasons, and depending on what the deal to bring him back looks like, could easily turn into an overpay.
Personally, I think what is best for both Finnegan and the Nationals long-term is for them to go their separate ways. While I thank Finnegan for all of his contributions over the last few years, it's time for him to end up with another club and time for the Nationals to have a new face for the 9th inning.
Do you think the Nationals should bring back Kyle Finnegan? As always, please let me know on X, @DCBerk.