Every team needs bullpen help at the trade deadline, and the New York Mets are unlikely to prove the exception.
So far this season, the Mets’ bullpen has been the third-best in Major League Baseball in terms of ERA. But that didn’t help them on Tuesday night, as Reed Garrett couldn’t prevent the Atlanta Braves from erasing a three-run deficit in the eighth inning.
Garrett will still be a key piece of the Mets’ bullpen moving forward, as will closer Edwin Díaz. But having more reliable high-leverage options would be a major help for the Mets as they try to navigate a slugfest in the race for the division title.
One MLB insider believes another National League East foe may be willing to lend a helping hand.
On Wednesday, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com named Washington Nationals closer Kyle Finnegan on a list of “prime trade candidates” and listed the Mets as one of the top prospective landing spots.
“Late-inning relievers are always in demand this time of year, so Finnegan – who has 18 saves and a 3.12 ERA in 26 appearances – should draw significant interest from a number of contenders,” Feinsand wrote.
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“An All-Star in 2024, Finnegan ranks in the 65th percentile in ground-ball rate (45.6%) and his 96.1 mph average fastball ranks in the 80th percentile. Potential fits: Blue Jays, Mets, Phillies, Reds.”
Finnegan, 33, has blown two of his last three save opportunities, but before that, he was 17-for-20 on the season. He has a modest 3.53 ERA in his career, but the ninth inning tends to be the toughest inning to keep runs off the board.
If moved to a setup role, it’s possible Finnegan’s stats could take an upward tick, making him a valuable weapon for the Mets or any number of other contenders.
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