Tendering his contract earlier in the offseason, it seems that the Washington Nationals are now headed for the same track with Kyle Finnegan now coming back to play for the club heading into the rest of the Spring Training games before the 2025 season. So far, it has been quite a good move, and it positions them well to address their closer needs.

While the Nationals are in a rebuilding phase, one thing they don’t take for granted is the importance of a dependable bullpen. That’s where Finnegan’s value shines. He’s proven time and time again that he can be trusted to pitch in high-leverage situations, whether it’s setting up for a closer or getting out of a jam in the middle of a game.

At the age of 33, Finnegan became a free agent after the team did not tender the final year of his arbitration eligibility. So far, Finnegan is coming off his first All-Star season, and he is even ranking third among all relievers in saves as well, which makes him promising to look out for in the game moving forward.

Impressive Control in Big Moments

Finnegan’s ability to step into pressure-filled moments with poise is invaluable to the Nats. Whether it’s coming in to close out a game or entering in the middle of an inning with runners on base, he’s shown that he can handle the heat. For a team looking to establish a winning culture, having a pitcher who can perform when the game is on the line is essential, and Finnegan has embraced that role.

One area of Finnegan's game that’s improved over the years is his control. In the past, he could be prone to walks, but he’s steadily reduced his walk rate, giving him more confidence to pound the strike zone. That command has been especially important in tight situations when the margin for error is slim.

The 33-year-old right-hander boasts a 3.56 career ERA over five seasons. Over the past two years, Finnegan has racked up 66 saves, ranking fourth in MLB, behind only Emmanuel Clase (91), Josh Hader (67), and Raisel Iglesias (67).

Being able to consistently throw strikes—without putting batters on base for free—is what separates a good reliever from a great one. Finnegan’s evolution in this area has been a big reason why he’s become a more reliable option for manager Davey Martinez. His ability to keep hitters off balance and stay within himself when facing pressure situations is an underappreciated but vital part of his effectiveness.

Providing Leadership

Aside from his on-the-field performance, Finnegan’s role in the clubhouse cannot be overlooked. As a veteran presence in the bullpen, he’s part of the leadership group that helps guide younger pitchers. The Nationals have several developing arms, and having someone like Finnegan to mentor and set an example for them is crucial in their development process.

His experience—especially pitching in tight games—is invaluable when passing on knowledge to younger relievers who will eventually play important roles themselves. This kind of leadership is often what transforms a good bullpen into a great one, and Finnegan’s steadying influence has helped shape the culture within Washington’s pitching staff.

Kyle Finnegan may not always get the recognition he deserves, but his impact on the Washington Nationals is undeniable. His fastball, control, ability to pitch in high-leverage situations, and leadership qualities make him a key figure in the Nats’ bullpen. As the team continues to rebuild and work toward contention, Finnegan’s steady presence will likely remain one of their most important assets.