The Detroit Tigers shook up their offseason roster this weekend by designating outfielder Justyn-Henry Malloy for assignment to open a spot on the 40-man roster for veteran reliever Kyle Finnegan. The decision marks the first time in his young Major League career that Malloy has been DFA’d.
For Malloy, a prospect once rated among Detroit’s more intriguing hitting prospects, the move is a jarring reminder that opportunity in the majors is often fleeting. Meanwhile, Finnegan’s return to the Motor City signals a renewed commitment by the Tigers’ front office to build a more dependable late-inning relief corps heading into the 2026 season.
A Closer Look at the Malloy Decision
Malloy, 25, was acquired by the Tigers from the Atlanta Braves as part of a trade that sent pitcher Joe Jiménez to Atlanta in December 2022. Malloy ascended quickly through the minors, showcasing power and on-base skills that made him an intriguing bat in Detroit’s system.
However, his transition to the big leagues proved difficult. Across 52 appearances in 2025, Malloy hit just .221 with one home run and 17 RBI, and his overall stat line showed inconsistency that made regular playing time hard to come by. His strikeout tendencies, coupled with defensive limitations, painted a picture of a player who struggled to translate Triple-A success into sustained Major League production.
Despite showing some plate discipline, evidenced by a decent walk rate, Malloy never fully solidified a role. He played mostly as a DH or part-time outfielder, never cracking the everyday lineup in a crowded Tiger outfield that included more versatile or established options.
By designating him for assignment, Detroit has seven days to trade Malloy, place him on waivers, or, if he clears, assign him outright to Triple-A Toledo. Given his Minor League success and youth, other clubs could take a chance on his offensive upside.
Why Kyle Finnegan Was Worth the Roster Spot
At the same time Malloy’s tenure hit a crossroads, the Tigers finalized a significant deal with Finnegan, bringing the right-handed reliever back to Detroit as a significant investment.
The deal will pay him $16.75 million across the 2026 and 2027 seasons, with a $10 million mutual option for 2028. If the Tigers decline that option, they will pay a $2.25 million buyout, bringing the total guaranteed value to $19 million if the option is not exercised.
The structure of the deal includes performance incentives that reward availability. Finnegan can earn $125,000 bonuses for reaching 40, 45, 50, and 55 appearances in both the 2026 and 2027 seasons. If he hits all appearance thresholds in both years, the contract’s two-year value rises to $18.75 million, making durability a key component of the agreement.
Finnegan, 34, is a proven bullpen arm who has posted strong numbers throughout his career and was an All-Star in 2024. After being traded to Detroit at the 2025 deadline, he impressed in limited action, posting a 1.50 ERA with four saves in 16 appearances, before a mid-season adductor injury sidelined him.
The Tigers believe Finnegan will anchor their late innings in 2026 alongside other experienced relievers like Kenley Jansen, adding stability and high-leverage experience. Detroit’s relievers finished toward the bottom half of the league in ERA and other key metrics in 2025, making the need for dependable arms clear.
Signing Finnegan wasn’t without cost, but the Tigers’ front office clearly sees him as a piece that could pay dividends in close games, providing the kind of consistency and strikeout ability that keeps leads intact.
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