Scouting Report: Kyle Finnegan

Summary

Kyle Finnegan is a 34-year-old right-handed reliever for the Detroit Tigers who has emerged as a potential waiver wire pickup and trade asset in 2026. He signed a two-year deal worth approximately $20 million with Detroit in the offseason. Through mid-May, Finnegan has posted exceptional numbers including a 0.51-1.66 ERA (depending on source date), 1.47 WHIP, 13 strikeouts, and 1 save across 17-18 games and 17⅔ innings. He started the season with 11 consecutive scoreless appearances but has recently experienced some volatility, recording three blown saves in his last four outings after allowing a solo home run to Yohendrick Pinango on May 17. Currently blocked from regular save opportunities by veteran closer Kenley Jansen (who has struggled with a 5.40 ERA and 3 blown saves), Finnegan could assume closer duties if Detroit makes a change. He has 113 career saves across 365 MLB appearances and is viewed as a potential trade deadline asset given his controllable contract through 2027 and strong early-season performance (0.9 bWAR).