Detroit Tigers Re-Sign Reliever Kyle Finnegan to Two-Year Deal

Kyle Finnegan's journey to becoming a key reliever for the Detroit Tigers involved a significant change in pitch strategy. Prior to being traded to Detroit from the Washington Nationals, Finnegan relied heavily on his fastball. Upon joining the Tigers, coaches encouraged him to utilize his splitter more frequently.

This adjustment led to a remarkable turnaround. With the Nationals, Finnegan had a 4.37 ERA and a strikeout rate below 20%. After the trade, his ERA dropped to 1.50, and his strikeout rate surged to nearly 35%. His swing-and-miss rate on his splitter exceeded 50% in August and September.

The Tigers' confidence in Finnegan is reflected in the two-year deal. He is expected to share high-leverage situations with Will Vest, giving manager A.J. Hinch reliable options in the late innings. The team may still look to add another swing-and-miss arm to further strengthen the bullpen.

*Takeaways for Readers:* Finnegan’s resurgence demonstrates how a change in approach can unlock a player's potential. For baseball fans, it underscores the importance of pitch selection and adaptability in player development. For the Tigers, it's a strategic move to enhance their bullpen and improve their competitiveness.

Finnegan signed a two-year, $19 million contract with the Detroit Tigers, which includes up to $1 million in incentives.

He increased his use of the splitter, leading to a lower ERA and higher strikeout rate.

Finnegan is expected to be a key part of the bullpen alongside Will Vest and Tyler Holton.

The Detroit Tigers have solidified their bullpen by re-signing Kyle Finnegan. This move addresses a critical need for reliable late-inning options. Finnegan's improved performance after a pitch mix adjustment makes him a valuable asset for the team. Expect him to play a key role in high-leverage situations alongside Will Vest.

What do you think of the Tigers re-signing Kyle Finnegan? Will he continue his success with the team? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!