All-Star reliever Finnegan a free agent after being non-tendered by Nats
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The Nationals made two significant roster decisions regarding their bullpen on Friday and did not tender contracts to right-handers Kyle Finnegan and Tanner Rainey.
Finnegan, 33, established himself as the Nats' closer after making his Major League debut at age 28 in 2020. He earned his first All-Star selection last season and ranked second among NL relievers (third among all relievers) with 38 saves. That total ranked fourth-most in a season in team history (2005-present).
Finnegan was considered a trade candidate at the Deadline, but he was not moved and remained in the back end of the bullpen. Finnegan went 3-8 with a 3.68 ERA in 63 2/3 innings (65 games).
The Nationals could bump lefty Jose A. Ferrer, who showed late-inning potential last season, into the closer role or pursue options in free agency and the trade market.
Rainey, 31, was the last remaining member of the 2019 World Series team. He underwent Tommy John surgery in 2022, but he did not return to his earlier form, which had earned him a closer role. Rainey posted a 4.76 ERA in 50 relief appearances.
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The Nationals tendered contracts to arbitration-eligible second baseman Luis Garcia Jr., catcher Riley Adams, left-hander MacKenzie Gore and right-handers Josiah Gray and Derek Law. Their 40-man roster stands at 36.