Kyle Finnegan DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Washington Nationals right-hander Kyle Finnegan pitched 1 2/3 scoreless innings to preserve a 6-4 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday. Finnegan struck out two while allowing one walk and two hits to earn his fourth save in as many chances this season. The veteran has been a consistent force at the back of the Washington bullpen in the early going, allowing just one run through 5 2/3 innings of work while striking out five. He appears to have a firm grip on the closer role in Washington, although it remains to be seen just how many save chances the Nationals afford him this season.

The Washington Nationals are re-signing right-handed reliever Kyle Finnegan to a one-year, $6 million deal on Tuesday, sources told ESPN's Jesse Rogers. The All-Star closer will return to D.C. after the Nationals non-tendered him late last year. The 33-year-old had a 3.68 ERA (4.25 FIP), 1.33 WHIP, a career-high 38 saves, 60 strikeouts and 24 walks in 63 2/3 relief innings for Washington in 2024 and should now be considered the favorite for closing duties again in 2025. Other than the 33-year-old, the Nationals' best options for high-leverage innings late in games are Jorge Lopez and Jose A. Ferrer, which makes sense why the Nationals chose to bring Finnegan back to pitch the ninth. Finnegan also had 28 saves in 2023, but his elevated hard-hit rate last year could be a sign of trouble to come. Even though the Nats don't have other great closing options, Finnegan could be on a short leash.

According to Robert Murray of FanSided.com, free-agent right-handed reliever Kyle Finnegan's market is heating up. Murray noted that with numerous relief pitchers finding suitors, Finnegan is starting to draw significant interest from several clubs. Earlier this offseason, the Nationals non-tendered him. Last season, Finnegan tallied a career-best 38 saves with a 3.68 ERA and a 1.34 WHIP across 62 2/3 innings of work. Finnegan struck out batters at a below-average 22.1% rate and allowed walks at a high 8.9% rate. In addition, he generated hard contract at a poor 48.1% and had a hefty 4.34 xERA, which suggests the 33-year-old will likely face some regression in 2025. Finnegan will likely operate as a high-leverage option on most clubs but could find a role as a middle reliever on a competing club.