A prominent MLB insider believes both the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies will be serious contenders for one of the Washington Nationals‘ best pitchers before this year’s MLB trade deadline.
As we close in on the midway point of the 2025 MLB season, all evidence points to the Mets and Phils having a heated battle throughout the season to win the National League East. Both are viewed as two of the biggest threats to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL. So, the two teams are expected to be aggressive to improve their rosters before the July 31 trade deadline.
There have been rumblings over the last couple of weeks that the pair of northeast clubs will be competing for upgrades in their respective bullpens. And this week, MLB.com insider Mark Feinsand predicted they are likely to make a play for one of the best relief pitchers in the division. Nationals closer Kyle Finnegan.
Kyle Finnegan stats (2025): 3.12 ERA, 1.308 WHIP, 18 saves, 21 strikeouts, 8 walks
“Late-inning relievers are always in demand this time of year. So Finnegan, who has 18 saves and a 3.12 ERA in 26 appearances, should draw significant interest from a number of contenders,” Feinsand wrote. “An All-Star in 2024, Finnegan ranks in the 65th percentile in ground-ball rate (45.6%). And his 96.1 mph average fastball ranks in the 80th percentile.”
The 33-year-old has been a reliable bullpen arm throughout his career, and hit a career peak in 2024 when he posted 38 saves. He will also likely be one of the most coveted relievers on the open market when he hits free agency for the first time after the season.
Feinsand believes the Toronto Blue Jays and Cincinnati Reds could also be in contention for the one-time All-Star. Those two teams may have an advantage in the pursuit of Finnegan. Not because they necessarily have more to offer. But because the Nationals may not want to help a division rival potentially reach the World Series in October.
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