Tigers Should Keep Finnegan but Build Bullpen Depth

Kyle Finnegan’s 2026 performance left the Detroit Tigers with a balancing act: give him a chance to rebound, but avoid making him the club’s automatic choice for the most important relief innings. Detroit declined Kenley Jansen’s club option on November 2, creating an opening in the late innings without settling who should fill it.

Finnegan posted a 4.30 ERA in 60.2 innings, with 47 strikeouts and 34 walks. His strikeout rate dropped from 24% in 2025 to 17.4% in 2026, while his walk rate rose from 7.9% to 12.6%. His 5.77 expected ERA offered another measure of concern, though it is an estimate based on underlying performance, not a forecast for next season.

His season ended in September, when Detroit added him to the injured list because of inflammation in his left groin. The Tigers need to assess whether the issue affected his delivery and command, but the injury alone does not explain the decline. There is also a reason to give him another opportunity: after joining Detroit in 2025, he recorded a 1.50 ERA, 23 strikeouts and four walks over 18 innings.

Finnegan is guaranteed $8 million in 2027, and his deal also provides a mutual option for 2028 valued at $10 million, alongside a $2.25 million buyout. Detroit can evaluate him in camp, but should add dependable relief help and base assignments on his command and results. A move to less demanding situations could give him time to adjust if he falters; a trade or release could be considered if he cannot contribute, though a release would not eliminate his guaranteed pay.