The Detroit Tigers didn’t employ a standard strategy at the MLB trade deadline that other top contenders did. Instead of trying to land the top players available, Detroit opted to go for quantity over quality.
For the most part, those moves backfired. Charlie Morton, Chris Paddack, Paul Seawald, and Codi Heuer all didn’t pan out for the Tigers. However, one of their moves did work out incredibly well. Kyle Finnegan, acquired from the Washington Nationals, was great.
After the Tigers’ tough 15-inning loss to the Seattle Mariners in the ALDS, Finnegan was asked about his upcoming free agency and where he wants to go. Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic shared the right-handed relievers’ answer, which was a clear wish to return to Detroit in free agency.
Tigers’ Kyle Finnegan wants to come back in free agency
“I loved every second of my time here,” Finnegan said. Hopefully, the feeling is mutual. We’ll head into free agency and see what that has in store for me, but I can’t say enough good things about the Tigers.”
Kyle Finnegan: “I loved every second of my time here. Hopefully the feeling is mutual. We’ll head into free agency and see what that has in store for me, but I can’t say enough good things about the Tigers.”
— Cody Stavenhagen (@CodyStavenhagen) October 11, 2025
Finnegan loved playing for the Tigers, and his hope is that the Tigers’ front office loved having him pitch for them as well. Based on how he performed, there’s no reason not to try and bring him back.
The 34-year-old reliever was a 2024 All-Star who was surprisingly not traded at the deadline. And after not receiving much interest over the winter, he re-signed with the Nationals before putting together a solid resume in 2025, and finding a new home in Detroit.
Finnegan had a 4.38 ERA with the Nationals this season, but after coming to Detroit and aiding the Tigers in their postseason push, he posted a 1.50 ERA in 16 outings for the Tigers.
Finnegan had four saves and three wins across 18 innings pitched with 23 strikeouts and only four walks allowed. In the playoffs, he had a 3.86 ERA in six games for Detroit across 7.1 innings pitched.
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He was one of the best relievers in Detroit this season and was easily the best trade deadline pickup the Tigers made this season.
With his age and his inconsistent career, Finnegan won’t be an expensive player to retain. And with the team heading into the final year of Tarik Skubal’s control, the Tigers’ front office should be more than willing to re-sign Finnegan this offseason.
After a decent 2024 season where he had a 3.68 ERA and was an All-Star, he signed a one-year deal worth $5.38 million. This offseason, his deal will be more than that contract, but it shouldn’t be substantially more than that, still well within the Tigers’ price range.
Finnegan loved his time in Detroit and is hoping to come back for the 2026 season. He became one of the best Tigers relievers down the stretch, and if it weren’t for an injury, he might’ve put up even more incredible numbers for Detroit after the deadline.
With trustworthy relievers hard to come by, re-signing Finegan should be on the table for the Tigers, especially since he wants to come back. Scott Harris and the Tigers front office will have to decide if they want Finnegan back or not.
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