Kyle Finnegan finalized his one-year, $6 million deal with the Toronto Blue Jays, who designated outfielder Stone Garrett for assignment on Thursday. The 33-year-old Finnegan, a right-hander, was an NL All-Star for the first time last season. His
In a surprise but significant move that caught the attention of Major League Baseball fans, Kyle Finnegan, the veteran reliever who had spent part of the 2024 season with the Toronto Blue Jays, is returning to the Toronto Blue Jays, Nationals on a one-year contract. The deal, announced by both teams, signals a new chapter for Finnegan, who made a name for himself as one of the most reliable bullpen arms in Washington’s recent history. The return to the Nationals not only fills an important void in their bullpen but also presents an intriguing opportunity for Finnegan to continue his career with the organization that gave him his first taste of Major League Baseball.
A Full-Circle Moment for Finnegan
Finnegan’s return to Washington feels like a full-circle moment for both the player and the Nationals. After an impressive stint with the Nationals from 2020 to 2023, Finnegan became one of the team’s most trusted late-inning options. He played a pivotal role in stabilizing a bullpen that struggled in the years following Washington’s World Series victory in 2019. With his signature fastball-slider combination and his ability to handle high-pressure situations, Finnegan quickly earned a reputation as a reliable reliever for the Nationals.
However, after a mixed 2024 season with the Toronto Blue Jays—where he was traded mid-season—Finnegan found himself as a free agent once again. The Blue Jays, looking to shore up their bullpen for a playoff push, brought him in to add depth to their relief corps. Though Finnegan’s time in Toronto was short-lived, he was able to prove his value in a postseason race, making key appearances and showing that he could still contribute at a high level.
Now, with a one-year deal back with the Nationals, Finnegan is set to return to a familiar environment, where his journey in the majors began. This new contract could give him the opportunity to provide leadership to a young and developing Nationals squad while also maintaining his role as a reliable veteran arm in the bullpen.
The Nationals’ Bullpen and the Need for Stability
The Nationals have spent the past few years rebuilding after their 2019 World Series win, and much of the team’s focus has been on developing young talent. However, one area where they have consistently struggled has been their bullpen. While the Nationals have seen progress in their starting rotation and position player development, the bullpen has often been an Achilles’ heel for the team.
With key veterans from their World Series-winning roster either traded or retired, the Nationals have been in search of a steady hand in the bullpen. Finnegan’s return addresses this need for stability. His proven track record in high-leverage situations makes him a valuable addition to a bullpen that can often be volatile. The Nationals will look to Finnegan to provide a sense of continuity and leadership as the franchise continues its rebuilding process.
Moreover, Finnegan’s experience with the Nationals gives him a unique understanding of the team’s culture and environment, which will help him integrate quickly back into the fold. His familiarity with the clubhouse and his previous success in Washington means he doesn’t need a lengthy adjustment period to settle in.
A Short Stay with Toronto
Finnegan’s brief tenure with the Toronto Blue Jays was a notable chapter in his career. In a season where the Blue Jays made a strong push for the playoffs, Finnegan was brought in to add depth to their bullpen, which had been inconsistent at times. He made several key appearances, particularly down the stretch as the Blue Jays fought for a postseason spot. Though Finnegan’s time in Toronto was limited, he was able to show flashes of the same reliability that made him a staple in Washington’s bullpen for several years.
In Toronto, Finnegan was often used in the middle innings, providing a bridge to the team’s high-leverage relievers. His ability to work multiple innings and his resilience in tight spots were some of the reasons why the Blue Jays were keen to acquire him. While Finnegan didn’t have the chance to make a deep postseason run with the Blue Jays, his contributions didn’t go unnoticed.
Now, as he returns to the Nationals, Finnegan will likely be called upon to fulfill a similar role—getting key outs in late innings, helping to lock down wins, and providing veteran leadership to the bullpen. The Nationals, still in the midst of their rebuild, will rely on his experience to help mentor younger pitchers and provide a steady presence in the bullpen.
The Significance of the One-Year Deal
A one-year contract for Finnegan is a strategic decision for both the player and the team. For Finnegan, the one-year deal offers him an opportunity to prove that he still has plenty left in the tank. After spending part of the previous season with the Blue Jays, Finnegan is in a position to showcase his skills in a familiar environment with the Nationals. With this contract, Finnegan will have the chance to demonstrate his value, either to the Nationals or to other teams down the road, as he continues his career.
For the Nationals, the one-year deal allows them to add a seasoned veteran to their bullpen without making a long-term commitment. This flexibility is essential for a rebuilding team like Washington, as they can continue to evaluate their bullpen options and make adjustments as needed. Should Finnegan perform well, he could become a trade chip at the deadline, giving the Nationals another opportunity to add prospects to their growing pool of young talent.
Moreover, the one-year contract provides Finnegan with the chance to potentially re-enter the free-agent market next offseason, when he will be able to negotiate a more lucrative deal, should his performance merit it. If he can prove that he still has the ability to close games and dominate in late-inning situations, he will be in a strong position to attract interest from playoff contenders.
Finnegan’s Role with the Nationals
As Finnegan returns to the Nationals, one of the key questions will be his role within the bullpen. With the team still in the process of rebuilding, Finnegan could step into the closer’s role if needed, or he may be used in high-leverage middle relief situations, depending on the needs of the team. His ability to handle pressure and pitch in a variety of situations makes him an asset in any role.
Another crucial aspect of Finnegan’s return is his mentorship potential. With many young pitchers in Washington’s system, Finnegan can serve as a mentor to the next generation of Nationals relievers. His experience in both the National League and with playoff-contending teams gives him a wealth of knowledge to pass on to the team’s younger arms. His leadership in the bullpen could help accelerate the development of Washington’s pitching staff, providing both guidance and a steadying presence for younger pitchers.
Looking Ahead
Kyle Finnegan’s return to the Washington Nationals on a one-year deal is a welcome move for both the player and the organization. For Finnegan, it’s an opportunity to get back to the team where he made a name for himself and continue to prove that he can be a reliable, high-quality reliever. For the Nationals, the deal strengthens their bullpen with a proven veteran who can help stabilize their relief corps while also serving as a mentor for their younger pitchers.
While the Nationals are still in the midst of their rebuilding process, adding a player like Finnegan to the mix provides a sense of continuity and leadership that will benefit the team’s long-term growth. It’s a deal that makes sense for both sides, offering the Nationals stability and experience in their bullpen while providing Finnegan with a chance to continue his career and possibly land another contract next season.
In a sport that’s constantly evolving, Kyle Finnegan’s return to Washington is a reminder that sometimes, coming full circle can be the perfect way to continue a career. For the Nationals and their fans, Finnegan’s return is a sign that, even amid a rebuild, the future of the franchise is in good hands.
Leave a Reply