Luke Weaver's impressive start as a reliable reliever for the New York Yankees has been overshadowed by recent struggles following a hamstring injury. With a worrying 13.50 ERA in his last seven outings, the Yankees are contemplating a trade for bullpen reinforcements. While names like Kyle Finnegan of the Washington Nationals and Shelby Miller from the Arizona Diamondbacks are in consideration, acquiring any quality relief arm will come at a steep price. The Yankees face tough choices as they strive to bolster their bullpen.

The Detroit Tigers are looking to bolster their bullpen ahead of the MLB trade deadline, particularly targeting Washington Nationals closer Kyle Finnegan. With the Nationals out of playoff contention, Finnegan, who has had an impressive season with 18 saves and a 2.45 ERA, could be a valuable asset for the Tigers. His status as a free agent at season's end means he won't cost top prospects in a trade, making him an attractive option alongside current relievers Will Vest and Tommy Kahnle. While all three are right-handed, adding Finnegan would enhance the bullpen's depth and competitiveness in the postseason.

Finnegan's performance this year has drawn attention across the league, and his track record from last season, when he was an All-Star, positions him as a sought-after target for various teams. The Tigers' need for a strong presence in the bullpen could lead to a fruitful trade, allowing them to effectively navigate the challenges of the postseason.

The Washington Nationals are poised to become sellers at the upcoming trade deadline as they look to build for the future. The team has identified three top trade candidates in Michael Soroka, Kyle Finnegan, and Nathaniel Lowe. Soroka, on a one-year contract, has shown promise in strikeouts despite a 4.70 ERA, making him a valuable asset for teams in need of pitching depth. Finnegan, a clear bullpen option, has maintained a strong 2.61 ERA this season; his recent performance suggests that he could fetch a solid return. Meanwhile, Lowe's recent resurgence, marked by four home runs since mid-June, highlights his potential as a reliable first-base option for contenders.

The New York Yankees are facing a challenging summer as reliever Jake Cousins is likely to undergo Tommy John surgery, a significant setback for their already fragile bullpen. Manager Aaron Boone's remarks underscore the urgency for the Yankees to bolster their relief corps, especially with Luke Weaver also sidelined. With the trade deadline approaching, Yankees GM Brian Cashman is exploring potential solutions in the market.

Several options are emerging for the Yankees. Pete Fairbanks of the Tampa Bay Rays, boasting an impressive 1.88 ERA, is a candidate, though his health is a concern. Ryan Helsley from the St. Louis Cardinals, last year's MLB saves leader, could be a highly sought-after closer, assuming St. Louis is open to trade discussions. David Bednar of the Pittsburgh Pirates is making a comeback after a rough start, while Kyle Finnegan of the Washington Nationals leads the league in saves, making him an intriguing budget-friendly choice. Finally, Jake Bird from the Colorado Rockies has shown promise this season, providing an affordable option with solid performance metrics.

Devin Williams, the New York Yankees' new closer, entered the 2025 season as a highly valued fantasy asset thanks to his 1.83 career ERA and elite strikeout rate. After a stellar performance late last season with the Milwaukee Brewers, expectations were high for his role in New York. However, just weeks into the season, Williams has found himself among the most dropped closers on ESPN leagues following a series of inconsistent outings. A particularly troubling game against the Tampa Bay Rays saw him blow a four-run lead, raising concerns despite an underlying .423 BABIP indicating he’s been unlucky. Fantasy managers are urged to stay the course, as his performance should normalize.

Meanwhile, other closers like Jeff Hoffman of the Toronto Blue Jays and Kyle Finnegan of the Washington Nationals have seen their stock rise, with Hoffman perfect in save opportunities and Finnegan accumulating saves despite mediocre strikeout rates. Justin Martinez of the Arizona Diamondbacks is set to benefit from an increased role following the injury of A.J. Puk, while Jose Alvarado of the Phillies has stepped up as a reliable closer. Conversely, Baltimore's Felix Bautista is struggling and may need time to regain his pre-surgery form, prompting patience from fantasy owners.