Kyle Finnegan started the season with the Washington Nationals. He did well there, but as an impending free agent when the season ends, Washington was looking to trade him and get something in return before he left for free.
This is where the Detroit Tigers came into play. Ahead of the deadline, they traded Josh Randall and R.J. Sales for him.
Finnegan did well in Detroit, holding down a 1.50 ERA across 16 appearances and making four saves. Now, he heads to the open market, looking to secure his bag.
Kyle Finnegan receives $21 million contract projection from ESPN
Kyle Finnegan hits the open market with a ton of teams looking to make upgrades in their bullpen. However, he will be mixed in with a ton of elite relievers who are also looking for their next contract.
Guys like Edwin Diaz and Robert Suarez will likely command a lot of the attention this winter. But Finnegan will likely not cost as much as them, as ESPN's Kiley McDaniel gives him a two-year, $21 million contract projection.
"Finnegan's strikeout rate went from 20% before the trade (over 39 innings) to 35% after it (over 18 innings); sometimes baseball can be that simple. It's a short track record to base a multiyear deal on, but I wouldn't be shocked if there's a team that wants to be even more aggressive than I'm projecting here."
McDaniel could also see Finnegan getting a bigger deal than two years, but played it safe with his two-year projection. Watch for teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres to be interested here.
More MLB news:
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- Luis Arraez projected to sign two-year deal, per ESPN insider
- Ha-Seong Kim predicted to sign one-year deal after opting out with the Braves
- Former MLB catcher questions Craig Stammen's ability to lead the Padres
- Blue Jays GM opens the door for the club to sign a closer over the winter