Through the first month-plus of the 2024 season, the Chicago Cubs' biggest weakness has been their bullpen. Despite touting dominant starting pitching, the Cubs have faltered in the later innings due to a shoddy relief corps.
Adbert Alzolay's run as closer has become a distant memory. Hector Neris has been solid in the role, but the Cubs need more reliable options if they hope to win the National League Central.
Looking externally, Kyle Finnegan of the Washington Nationals would make plenty of sense for the Cubs. The 32-year-old is enjoying an impressive start to the 2024 season with a 1.88 ERA in 14.1 innings pitched.
Tied for the league lead in saves, Finnegan has been as reliable as they come. Acquiring him would let Neris slide back into the eighth-inning role and ease Craig Counsell's bullpen strategy.
Of course, it still takes two to tango. With the Nationals currently at 17-17, it remains to be seen if they're fully past their rebuild period. But with Finnegan's age and contract, he fits the criteria for a valued midseason trade target.
It'd make sense for the Cubs to pursue the reliever's services. Following the Jeimer Candelario deal at the 2023 trade deadline, both teams are fully aware of what each has to offer.
It's evident that the Cubs need to address their bullpen if they hope to make the postseason. The starting rotation has been too good for the bullpen to not return the favor.
They have the resources to make a trade for whomever they see as a fit to close out games. Finnegan has proven to be capable of answering that call. If the Nationals are willing to move the right-hander, the Cubs must do their due diligence.
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