The Detroit Tigers are facing a challenging situation with reliever Kyle Finnegan, who was signed to a two-year, $19 million contract to provide stability in the bullpen. However, a recent disastrous performance against the Minnesota Twins has raised significant concerns about his effectiveness and the implications for the team's future.
In a game on August 9, 2026, Finnegan entered with a respectable 3.27 ERA but left the field with that number ballooning to 4.07 after an outing in which he allowed five runs on three hits and two walks, managing to record only one out. This outing occurred during a particularly rough sixth inning for the Tigers, who ultimately lost the game 15-2. Finnegan's struggles were highlighted by his inability to find the strike zone, throwing just 11 strikes out of 25 pitches.
This poor performance was not an isolated incident; it followed a month of August where Finnegan posted a 5.00 ERA and a 1.67 WHIP over 10 appearances. These numbers indicate a troubling trend for the veteran reliever, who is expected to be a key component of the Tigers' bullpen as they look to build around their young core of players.
Finnegan's contract, which guarantees him $8 million for the 2027 season and includes a mutual option for 2028, complicates matters further for the Tigers. With his contract already on the books, the team must evaluate whether his recent struggles are a temporary slump or indicative of a larger issue, especially as he approaches his 35th birthday on September 4.
Despite his recent challenges, Finnegan has a track record of success, having saved 24 games in the 2025 season while playing for both the Washington Nationals and the Tigers. His experience is invaluable, particularly as the Tigers consider potential changes in their bullpen during the offseason. However, the organization did not commit $19 million merely for his past achievements; they need him to consistently perform well in high-pressure situations.
The Tigers' management, led by president of baseball operations Scott Harris, is now faced with a critical decision as they head into September. While Finnegan's recent outing was disappointing, it occurred after the game had already slipped away, suggesting that it may not be the defining moment of his season. Nevertheless, allowing five runs while retiring just one batter is a significant failure that cannot be overlooked.
As the Tigers look to evaluate their roster, they have little choice but to continue with Finnegan, given his contract status. September presents an opportunity for him to rebound and regain the trust of manager A.J. Hinch. A strong finish to the season could help mitigate the impact of his recent struggles, while continued control issues may force the Tigers to reconsider his role moving forward.
In conclusion, while the Tigers are committed to Finnegan for the near future, his ability to perform in crucial moments will be under scrutiny as the team assesses its bullpen options for the 2027 season and beyond.
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