The current conversation around the Tampa Bay Rays can flow in a number of directions. There’s the discourse around new ownership and a fresh ballpark, hopefully arriving in the intermediate term.
There’s also the vital conversation about what this team needs to do in order to return to the postseason next year. Rays fans know that the bullpen is one of those troublesome areas. The good news is that recent rumors have them linked to a veteran reliever who should put everyone at ease.
Kyle Finnegan: An Answer from Free Agency for the Rays Bullpen
The Athletic’s Jim Bowden recently published an article in which he discussed the best available fits for the free agents this winter. Bowden linked the Rays to Detroit Tigers pitcher Kyle Finnegan, a reliever who came to the Detroit Tigers at the deadline from the Washington Nationals. For what it’s worth, Bowden estimated that the native of Michigan could land a one-year deal worth $6.25 million this offseason. He mentioned the Detroit Tigers, St. Louis Cardinals, and Miami Marlins as possible fits for Finnegan alongside the Rays.
Now just a week away from the top 50 MLB free agents reaching the open market and the bidding begins: https://t.co/CBprxXLsDP
— Jim Bowden
(@JimBowdenGM) October 28, 2025
“Finnegan was a free agent last winter after saving 88 games in his first five seasons in the majors with the Nationals, but was disappointed when the best offer came late, a one-year, $5.38 million deal from Washington. He lived up to that contract and more after being traded to the Tigers, which led to his first postseason opportunity,” Bowden wrote.
It’s The Bullpen, Stupid
The cat is out of the bag on this one. The Rays’ bullpen was easily the biggest culprit during a stretch in July when they fell behind in the playoff standings. The overall bullpen numbers weren’t terrible, but the Rays need to strengthen that unit heading into 2026. The bullpen needs more consistency and stability for next season. Rays relievers posted an ERA north of 7 during a stretch in July that proved critical for their postseason hopes.
Finnegan found something magical with the Tigers after he was traded from a non-contender to a contender. He didn’t allow a run in the month of August (12 appearances) and carried over that success to the postseason. Overall, Finnegan posted a 3.47 ERA in 56 games with a career-low WHIP of 1.105. He achieved a 49.4% ground-ball rate, good for the 82nd percentile in baseball. The Rays should be excited about getting their hands on this player, given their track record of developing pitchers.
Finnegan’s Fit
As mentioned, the Rays have plenty of bodies for bullpen work next season. It’s about finding the depth necessary to endure the grind of a regular season. The club will be patiently awaiting the return of Hunter Bigge after his scary injury this summer. Edwin Uceta and Garrett Cleavinger continued to perform yeoman’s work in the late innings.
The biggest source of intrigue is whether or not Griffin Jax can slide over to the rotation. Jax posted decent production this season. His 4.23 ERA belies a healthy 35% strikeout rate and a 7.4% walk rate. He posted a 3.60 ERA with the Rays in 23 games with a 3.59 FIP and 116 ERA+. Bryan Baker was much better after some initial turbulence following his trade from the Baltimore Orioles. Baker, 30, posted a 4.75 ERA with Tampa Bay but a much better 3.83 FIP along with a 27.6% strikeout rate and 6.5% walk rate.
Finnegan is a low-cost arm that can slot in almost anywhere at a reasonable price. The Rays will face stiff competition for his services, and a quick strike in free agency could be just what the doctor ordered.
Main Photo Credit: © Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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