Despite missing the playoffs last year, the Orioles are still entrenched in their “winning window.” Former top prospects Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson, and Jackson Holliday all have multiple years of control remaining, and complimentary pieces like Jordan Westburg and Colton Cowser are still getting better. The future appears bright for rookies Samuel Basallo and Dylan Beavers, and starters Kyle Bradish and Trevor Rogers are one running mate away from anchoring a talented rotation.
There may be
a new skipper in town, but this is still the same generation of Orioles players. While the 2026 club looks to turn the page on a rough season, there’s one position group shifting to a new chapter altogether.
The Orioles traded Bryan Baker, Gregory Soto, Seranthony Domínguez and Andrew Kittredge last season shortly before losing Félix Bautista to injury. The Birds made a wise move to reacquire Kittredge at the end of the year, but Bautista will still miss a majority of 2026.
A few relievers made strong impressions over the final months of 2025. Kade Strowd likely secured a spot on the roster, while Rico Garcia and Dietrich Enns earned new deals with the club. Yennier Cano and Keegan Akin will return, but there’s no doubt that Craig Albernaz needs alternative options in high leverage situations.
Enter Kyle Finnegan. The 34-year-old is no stranger to the region after spending six seasons with the Washington Nationals. Finnegan holds a career 3.55 ERA and 1.284 WHIP over 347 games in the majors. An All Star in 2024, Finnegan faced some adversity last season before being traded to the Tigers. Finnegan caught lightning in a bottle down the stretch while pitching to a 1.50 ERA, 0.722 WHIP and 3-0 record with four saves.
Relievers get hot from time to time, but Finnegan’s success stemmed from a strategic change. Detroit instructed the righty to throw his slider and splitter more often, and opponents never adjusted. If they did, it didn’t work. Finnegan posted a 5.75 K/BB ratio during his time in Detroit, and his 1.97 FIP backed up the results.
Finnegan still averaged over 96 MPH with his four seamer at 34, but his new pitch mix yielded terrific results. It shouldn’t qualify as a career renaissance, because Finnegan has never eclipsed a 3.76 ERA. That being said, Finnegan entered this offseason with more upside than he did the previous year.
There’s plenty to like about Finnegan, but he’s not the highest rated reliever on the market. Guys like Edwin Diaz, Devin Williams and Robert Suarez will all command more years and money. Signing Finnegan would not prevent the Orioles from pursuing any and all of the top free agent arms. MLB Trade Rumors ranks Finnegan as the 40th best available Free Agent this offseason with a projected contract of two years, $20 million.
The Orioles have several needs to address this offseason. Mike Elias has insisted that payroll will not be an issue, but addressing the starting rotation will require a sizable financial commitment. The bullpen could benefit from signing multiple players that fit Finnegan’s profile. Finnegan, Kittredge, and a guy like Ryan Helsley would provide the Orioles multiple options late in games and a chance to ride the a hot hand if one emerges.
The Birds can utilize a closer by committee approach and still contend with Bautista on the shelf, but it has to be the right committee. Cano and Akin came up short last season, but the Birds could add multiple free agents with closing experience. Pete Fairbanks is out there, and Emilio Pagan would make sense for the right price. Finnegan benefited from sharing closing responsibilities with Will Vest in Detroit.
At a minimum, Finnegan is a high-leverage reliever with a solid floor. The Orioles need a few of those. The team could swing for the fences with a top closer like Diaz, or they could spread out the risk with multiple relievers capable of closing out games in 2026.
