For the Nationals’ bullpen, it’s Finnegan, begin again!
According to multiple reports, the Nats are re-signing closer Kyle Finnegan to a one-year, $6 million deal, a few months after they decided to non-tender him ahead of his final year of arbitration eligibility.
Finnegan, 33, had a 3.68 ERA and 33 saves in 63 2/3 innings last season, and he has posted a 3.56 ERA and 88 saves in 290 1/3 innings since debuting in the 2020 season.
The right-hander made $5.1 million in 2024 and was projected for an $8.6 million salary this year by MLB Trade Rumors’ model, but the Nats non-tendered him in November instead; Finnegan had some rumored interest, but now, as spring training is in full swing, Washington is bringing him back for a modest raise from his 2024 salary.
Said move also continues Washington’s penchant this offseason for adding veteran bullpen arms on short-term deals, that could become trade chips later this summer. They signed Jorge Lopez and Lucas Sims to one-year deals and non-roster invitee Colin Poche could reach free agency if he spends enough time on an active roster, so that’s four additions/re-additions (plus Derek Law, in his final arbitration year) that could be dangled.