Detroit Tigers Bolster Bullpen, Acquire Closer Kyle Finnegan From Nationals

DETROIT, MI – The Detroit Tigers have made a major move to solidify their bullpen, agreeing to acquire veteran right-handed reliever Kyle Finnegan from the Washington Nationals. The deal, first reported by MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand and confirmed by multiple sources, comes just hours after the Tigers announced they had also acquired closer Paul Sewald from the Cleveland Guardians.

Finnegan, 33, has been a reliable anchor in the Nationals’ bullpen since his Major League debut in 2020. The six-year veteran, who is on an expiring $6 million contract, has been a consistent subject of trade buzz due to his proven track record. This season, he ranks sixth in the National League with 20 saves in 26 opportunities. He was a non-tendered free agent last November but was re-signed by the Nationals to a one-year deal in late February.

The right-hander’s best season came last year, when he earned his first All-Star selection and recorded a career-best 38 saves, placing him second in the NL. A native of Detroit, Finnegan’s homecoming will provide the Tigers with a veteran presence and a much-needed late-inning arm as they push for a postseason spot. Over his career, he holds a 23-30 record with a 3.66 ERA and 108 saves.

The Tigers’ aggressive moves at the trade deadline demonstrate a clear commitment to strengthening their pitching staff. With the acquisitions of both Finnegan and Sewald, they have added two experienced closers to a bullpen that has been in need of reliable late-game options. The team has also recently added starting pitcher Chris Paddack and reliever Rafael Montero, signaling a determined effort to contend.

In return for Finnegan, the Nationals are reportedly receiving two right-handed pitching prospects from the Tigers organization, Josh Randall and R.J. Sales. The trade, which has not yet been officially confirmed by either team, is a clear win-win, allowing the rebuilding Nationals to add to their farm system while giving the Tigers an immediate and impactful upgrade to their bullpen as they head into the final stretch of the season.