The Chicago Cubs have a very strong starting lineup and starting rotation. But the bullpen can still use some improvements. In the trade market, the Cubs will have plenty of options, but an All-Star from the Washington Nationals makes a lot of sense.
Back in late February, the Nationals re-signed All-Star reliever Kyle Finnegan to a one-year deal worth $6 million. After being non-tendered, he could've received offers from other teams but ended up going back to Washington on a small pay raise.
After being named the 2024 Nationals representative at the All-Star game, Finnegan had a significantly lower market than anticipated in free agency. Combined with the lack of interest at last year's trade deadline, Finnegan could be acquired for less than anticipated for an All-Star from a year ago.
Finnegan is 33 years old and will be in his seventh Major League season. In his career, he has a 3.55 ERA and 88 saves. Finnegan is the Nationals closer and will likely be on the trade block at the MLB trade deadline on July 31.
Across his previous four seasons, Finnegan has appeared in at least 65 games each season. He also has always had at least 60 strikeouts, with his 2022 season finishing with 70.
The Cubs have a lot of players they need to pay, including trade acquisition Kyle Tucker. With the departure of multiple top-prospects in the trade for Tucker, a large trade for a star player might not be in the cards for the Cubs.
Finnegan is the perfect option, as he'll be cheap and provide quality bullpen depth behind Ryan Pressly. The Cubs will be able to acquire a solid reliever without giving up quality assets.
A trade pitch where the Cubs acquire Finnegan makes sense for everyone involved. The Cubs get bullpen help, the Nationals get a prospect to take a dart throw on, and Finnegan gets to join a team vying for the postseason.
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