Nationals Decline Contracts for Kyle Finnegan and Tanner Rainey, Reshaping Bullpen

The Nationals made two major bullpen decisions Friday, not offering contracts to right-handers Kyle Finnegan and Tanner Rainey.

Finnegan, 33, has become the Nationals' closer after making his major league debut in 2020 at age 28. 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 candidate for the position before the deadline, but he has not been moved and remains at the back end of the Arrows. Finnegan went 3-8 with a 3.68 ERA in 63 2/3 innings (65 games). The Nationals could move left-hander Jose A. Ferrer, who showed promise last season, to the closer position, or pursue opportunities in the free agent and trade markets.

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. Rainy released 4.76 ERA on 50 relief performance. The national bidding contract is in line with arbitration's second Baseman Luis Garcia Jr. Jr. Their 40-man roster is 36.