The New York Yankees are reeling, dropping five straight games and slipping from the top spot in the American League East. With the trade deadline looming, the Bronx Bombers are desperate to bolster their roster, particularly on the left side of the infield and in their shaky bullpen. A recent meltdown in the first game of this year’s Subway Series against the New York Mets—where Luke Weaver surrendered a game-winning homer to Jeff McNeil—has only amplified the urgency for a reliable arm. Enter Washington Nationals’ closer Kyle Finnegan, a potential game-changer who could transform New York’s bullpen into a postseason juggernaut.
The Yankees’ bullpen has been a rollercoaster this season. While Devin Williams has found his groove in recent months, Weaver’s struggles are becoming impossible to ignore. The right-hander has allowed a home run in each of his last three appearances, ballooning his ERA to 3.19 over 31 innings. With New York leaning on a “closer by committee” approach, the need for a dominant, high-leverage reliever is glaring. Finnegan, with his sparkling 2.46 ERA and 18 saves in 33 innings, could be the answer—a true “bullpen assassin” ready to lock down the ninth inning.
Finnegan, a 2024 All-Star, is having another stellar season, boasting a 1.1 WAR and a shot at a second consecutive All-Star nod. His consistency in high-pressure situations makes him a prime target for contenders like the Yankees. Unlike last year, when his looming arbitration number scared off some suitors, Finnegan is now a cost-effective rental. After being non-tendered in the offseason, the Nationals re-signed him to a one-year, $6 million deal, making him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their bullpen without breaking the bank.
Sam Sallick, a writer from the Nationals’ community, noted in a recent blog post that Washington is likely to sell at the deadline for the second straight summer. “Finnegan has a lot of high-leverage experience and has been highly consistent over the years,” Sallick wrote. “This cheaper contract will appeal to contenders.” For the Yankees, Finnegan represents not just a quick fix but a potential closer who can stabilize their bullpen for a deep postseason run.
To land a reliever of Finnegan’s caliber, the Yankees would need to part with serious talent. One proposed deal has New York sending top prospect Spencer Jones to Washington in exchange for the star closer. Jones, a highly-touted outfielder, is a significant ask, but Finnegan’s status as an impending free agent after this season could make the trade more palatable. Alternatively, a package featuring a lower-tier prospect and a young major leaguer like Oswaldo Cabrera might get the job done, though the Nationals will likely drive a hard bargain for their All-Star reliever.
As the MLB trade deadline approaches, the Yankees are poised to be aggressive. Their roster, while talented, needs reinforcements to compete with the AL’s elite. A left-sided infield bat remains a priority, but the bullpen is where New York can make a statement. Acquiring Finnegan would send a clear message to rivals: the Yankees are all-in for 2025. With his proven track record and ability to thrive in high-stakes moments, Finnegan could be the missing piece that turns close games into wins and propels New York back to the top of the AL East.