Detroit — The Tigers Saturday made official the previously reported signing of leverage reliever Kyle Finnegan to a two-year deal worth $19 million.
The deal also includes a mutual option for 2028 worth $10 million with a $2.250 million buyout. Finnegan, entering his age-34 season, will earn $8.75 million in 2026 and $8 million in 2027. Additionally, he can earn up to $500,000 in performance bonuses each year — $125,000 each for 40, 45, 50, and 55 games finished.
To clear a spot on the 40-man roster, the Tigers designated outfielder Justyn-Henry Malloy for assignment.
Malloy, who will turn 26 in February, was acquired from the Braves for reliever Joe Jimenez in December of 2022. He dominated Triple-A pitching for four seasons (.902) and debuted with the Tigers in 2024.
The production did not carry over against big-league pitching. In parts of two seasons, Malloy hit .209 with nine home runs, with a 32.8% strikeout rate. He was mostly used as a weapon against left-handed pitching, against which he produced an .820 OPS, but with limited power (.423 slug).
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