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.

White Sox WPA debate centers on on-field value versus ownership influence. Kyle Teel leads the club in WPA at 0.9, followed by Mike Tauchman 0.5, Andrew Benintendi 0.4, and Colson Montgomery 0.3. At the lower end, Josh Rojas (-1.9), Lenyn Sosa (-1.3), Chase Meidroth (-1.1), and Edgar Quero (-1.0) illustrate how WPA can mislead without context. The piece contends WPA isn’t the full story, arguing the real driver is Wealth Probability Added—the owner’s power shaping the Sox’s fortunes beyond any stat.

Beyond the field, the author traces Jerry Reinsdorf’s 44-year arc, from a $19 million purchase in 1981 to a current $2 billion valuation, suggesting ownership and market dynamics steer decisions more than a single season’s WPA. The Kansas City series is used as a backdrop to separate raw WPA from the political and financial forces that determine roster strategy.

Detroit visits Kansas City aiming to clinch the series after Friday's win snapped a four-game skid. Game 137 features Flaherty against Kolek at Kauffman Stadium, with Detroit at 79-57 and KC at 69-66.

Flaherty is 7-13 with a 4.87 ERA; Kolek is 4-5 with a 4.18 ERA. Fantasy players will note the pitcher duel and the Tigers' depth against Kolek's righty-heavy mix, while Royals' lineup might push back for a tough road test.