Kyle Finnegan’s deadline-day move to Detroit has redefined the Tigers’ bullpen, turning him into a multi-inning weapon in late-innings high-leverage spots. In 13⅓ innings since the trade, he’s 0.00 ERA with a splitter-heavy, strike-throwing approach that lets Hinch deploy him for extended bursts. The deal landscape around him features a flood of reliever moves—Miller, Duran, Bednar, Helsley, Jax, Doval—setting a new late-inning baseline across the majors. Royals batters Pasquantino, Maikel Garcia and Salvador Perez loom as a contrasting late-game reference point for KC’s offenses.

The combination of Finnegan’s efficiency, endurance, and willingness to attack hitters in the toughest moments has shifted expectations for closers and bridge-to-close roles league-wide, impacting fantasy bullpen planning and daily lineup decisions as teams recalibrate leverage usage after the deadline chaos.