Unexpected Decision
The Nationals made an unanticipated move early in the offseason by opting to non-tender their All-Star closer, Kyle Finnegan, immediately placing him on the free-agent market. Finnegan, coming off a career-best season that included 38 saves, suddenly found himself available despite his recent standout performance.
Negotiations and Arbitration
Efforts to secure Finnegan before the arbitration deadline fell through after extensive negotiations did not yield a satisfactory deal. With projections placing his value at $8.6 million, the decision to non-tender him was surprising given his established role in the bullpen. The team believed that this approach would offer greater flexibility in dealing with his contract expectations.
Market Dynamics and Limited Movement
As winter progressed and spring training loomed, the anticipated surge in interest from other teams for quality relief pitching did not materialize. While several prominent relievers managed to secure multi-year agreements with various teams, the market for established arms like Finnegan did not meet the high expectations. This lack of bidding competition made it increasingly difficult for veteran players to command prices near their arbitration values.
A Cost-Effective Return
Ultimately, Finnegan returned to Washington under a one-year deal worth $6 million, significantly under the arbitration projections. The Nationals successfully secured their former closer at a considerably reduced cost, a maneuver that highlighted strategic financial planning. With seasoned additions like Jorge Lopez and Lucas Sims reinforcing the bullpen, and emerging talents such as Jose A. Ferrer and the consistently reliable Derek Law, Manager Davey Martinez is poised to build on both the bullpen’s depth and the improving starting rotation.