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The Washington Nationals have a competitive young team, but they're also playing in a very competitive division, so there's a chance their roster isn't good enough for a division title yet.
If they fall out of postseason contention, what will the Nationals opt to do?
ESPN's David Schoenfield recently suggested the Nationals would cut ties with their closer, Kyle Finnegan, in a blockbuster trade ahead of the trade deadline.
"Finnegan had 66 saves over the past two seasons and was the Nationals' All-Star rep in 2024, but they non-tendered him anyway -- only to re-sign him to a one-year deal in spring training as there wasn't much interest in him from other teams," Schoenfield wrote. "Despite the 38 saves last year, he's not an elite closer, which is why no other team signed him, so his potential trade value is minimal unless he suddenly cuts down on the home runs or the walks."
Finnegan would be a popular name at the trade deadline because almost all contending teams are looking to add relief talent. He might not be acquired to be a closer, but a team like the New York Yankees or Boston Red Sox could use another righty to slot in during the seventh or eighth inning of close ball games.
It should be expected that if the Nationals fall out of playoff contention, they'll look to trade Finnegan. The return might not be too much, but it'll be more than losing him in free agency.
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About the writer
Zach Pressnell is a Newsweek contributor based in Columbus, Ohio. His focus is MLB content. He has an extensive knowledge ... Read more