As of May 2025, there is no confirmed trade involving Washington Nationals closer Kyle Finnegan being acquired by the Chicago Cubs, despite swirling rumors and speculation. The headline “A Total Game-Changer: Cubs Acquire Nationals’ Closer Kyle Finnegan in Deal That Has Rivals on High Alert” appears to be either a speculative or fabricated claim, as no reputable sports news outlets have reported such a transaction.
Kyle Finnegan, one of Major League Baseball’s top-performing closers in 2024, re-signed with the Nationals earlier this year after being non-tendered in November 2024. He agreed to a one-year, $6 million contract on February 25, 2025, returning to Washington with the expectation of continuing in his role as the team’s primary closer. His return was viewed as a significant boost for the Nationals’ bullpen, especially after he posted 38 saves in 2024—third-most in the league—alongside a stellar first-half ERA of 2.45.
The Chicago Cubs were rumored to have expressed strong interest in Finnegan during his brief stint as a free agent. Their bullpen has been inconsistent, and acquiring a high-leverage reliever like Finnegan would make strategic sense, especially for a team trying to stay competitive in a tight NL Central race. However, Washington acted quickly to retain Finnegan, and he returned to the team with what both sides characterized as mutual respect and unfinished business.
It’s not uncommon during the MLB season for speculative headlines to emerge, especially surrounding high-performing relievers on teams with uncertain playoff outlooks. The Nationals, despite Finnegan’s dominance, are in a transitional phase with a roster composed of emerging talent and a long-term rebuild in mind. This has naturally led to ongoing speculation that Finnegan could become a trade target at the July deadline if Washington falls out of playoff contention.
For the Cubs, the closer role remains a work in progress. The team has relied on a mix of veteran arms and younger relievers, but none have consistently seized the role the way Finnegan has in Washington. Adding a proven closer could not only stabilize the bullpen but also provide a psychological edge in tight divisional games. Still, for now, any talk of Finnegan being on the move is purely speculative.
Unless circumstances change drastically in the standings or internal team dynamics shift, the Nationals are likely to retain Finnegan through at least the All-Star break. If they fall behind in the National League East or pivot more aggressively toward youth, Finnegan could emerge as one of the most sought-after arms at the deadline. Until then, he remains a cornerstone of Washington’s bullpen and a player to watch closely.
In conclusion, while the idea of the Cubs acquiring Kyle Finnegan would indeed be a “game-changer,” no such deal has occurred. The rumor may reflect wishful thinking or pre-deadline speculation, but for now, Finnegan is still very much a Washington National. Cubs fans and baseball insiders alike will continue monitoring the situation, especially as the trade deadline approaches.
