At the July 31 MLB trade deadline, the Detroit Tigers made a decisive move by strengthening a bullpen that had struggled through the summer. Among their acquisitions, the addition of Kyle Finnegan from the Washington Nationals has stood out as a game-changer. Analysts named him one of the top six deadline pickups league-wide–no small feat, given the pressure on reshaping rosters mid-season.
What sets this trade apart is how well Finnegan has adapted. His debut showed noticeable adjustments to his pitch mix; he slashed his fastball usage from 65% in Washington to just 39% in Detroit, boosting his slider usage significantly. That tweak, combined with Tigers coaching and superior catch framing, helped him unlock a new level of effectiveness immediately.
Performance That Fast-Tracked Its Payoff
Finnegan’s impact is measurable. Detroit’s bullpen now ranks 2nd in MLB ERA post-deadline, a dramatic uptick from earlier struggles. While certain metrics like FIP (climbing near the bottom of the league) and K-BB% hint at underlying volatility, the bottom line is clear: this acquisition is paying dividends now.
In high-leverage scenarios, Finnegan has repeatedly delivered. His early outings helped stabilize innings that previously teetered on collapse, giving Tigers’ manager A.J. Hinch much-needed flexibility and confidence to navigate September’s tight turns.
Detroit didn’t stop with Finnegan. They also picked up Paul Sewald, Rafael Montero, Codi Heuer, and even veteran starter Charlie Morton late in the window. While Morton’s performance has wavered with a 5.25 ERA, his presence adds depth and reassurance in a rotation that was stretched and tested.
Heuer, Montero, and Sewald blend experience with adaptability–each capable of filling high-leverage roles. Their combined presence has buoyed a bullpen designed for playoff success, turning a weakness into a strategic advantage.
Why This Move Trumps All Others
Detroit’s focus wasn’t about headline-making deals, but high-value precision. Finnegan, in particular, showcased immediate results, not just promise, which is rare in midseason trades. The trade for Sewald and Montero diversified arm roles, while Morton provided short-term rotation help. It’s a holistic upgrade–one that aligns with the team’s competitive window and roster needs.
Pairing this with a rotation led by Tarik Skubal and young arms gives the Tigers a rare blend: youthful energy, veteran stability, and high-leverage versatility. Heading into September, that feels less “add-on” and more foundation-strengthening.
With the postseason approaching, reliance on a tight bullpen formula will be key. Tigers insiders are eyeing internal arms like Drew Sommers for lefty depth–an area still exposed despite the late additions. Sommers brings cancellation-inducing sinker-slider weapons and could become a bullpen chess piece soon.
On offense, recent slumps and cooled bats remain a concern–Detroit’s deadline activity leaned heavily on pitching. A return to postseason grind may demand better at-bats and depth from the lineup as the games become tighter.
Will the Tigers Add More Help Before the Postseason?
As the Tigers turn their attention toward October, their front office may continue to tweak the roster in search of the final edge. With the active roster expanding from 26 to 28 players soon, several additions are expected–from both the minor leagues and injured list returns.
On the mound, Sawyer Gipson-Long stands near the top of the call-up list for bullpen support. As a high-strikeout arm, he contrasts with internal options like Kahnle or Holton–who, despite experience, have struggled with consistency. Alex Lange also becomes eligible on September 6, potentially adding another power arm depending on roster flexibility.
On the offensive side, Justyn-Henry Malloy, a lefty-power bat, and versatile infielder Hao-Yu Lee, particularly effective against left-handed pitching, are leading contenders for second-base or bench roles. Parker Meadows, nearing full health, is also close to returning, which could reconfigure lineup options.
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