Even though Brandon Finnegan was recently designated for assignment, a reunion with the Kansas City Royals is unlikely.
Although Brandon Finnegan appeared in only 21 games with the Kansas City Royals, he made quite an impression. The 17th overall selection of the 2014 MLB Draft, he rocketed through the minors, making his debut on September 6th that year. Finnegan became a valuable reliever during the Royals playoff run, and was the first player to appear in the College World Series and the major league World Series in the same year.
The following year, Finnegan was again a key part of the Royals postseason run. With Kansas City looking to shore up their rotation, Finnegan, along with John Lamb and Cody Reed, was sent to the Cincinnati Reds for Johnny Cueto. The Royals were able to win the World Series that year, ending their 30 year championship drought.
Meanwhile, the Reds were hoping that Finnegan could be a key part of their rotation for years to come. While he did show flashes of the potential that made him a first round pick, Finnegan was unable to do so consistently. With the additions that the Reds made to their roster in an attempt to contend, he was expendable and designated for assignment.
In theory, Finnegan could be a pitcher the rebuilding Royals would have interest in. There are spots available in both the bullpen and the rotation, and Finnegan would seemingly have the chance to develop at his own pace. Instead, the Royals are not showing interest in bringing back their former first round pick. Or adding former Marlins pitcher Dan Straily, for that matter.
Per sources, the Royals have discussed the Brandon Finnegan and Dan Straily situations, but it's not likely anything will go further than that. They are at 39 on the 40-man roster and that final spot likely goes to Homer Bailey.
— Jeffrey Flanagan (@FlannyMLB) April 1, 2019
It may be that Finnegan’s struggles over the past two seasons are a part of that decision. He has made just nine appearances in the majors in that time, dealing with injury and ineffectiveness. In those 33.2 innings, he has posted a 6.15 ERA and a 1.905 WHiP, striking out 30 batters, but also issuing 28 walks.
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Those struggles also continued in the minors. Sent to AAA Louisville, Finnegan continued to implode, posting a 7.05 ERA and a 1.921 WHiP in his 67.2 innings. Once again, he struggled with his command, as his 57 strikeouts were offset by 40 walks and an astonishing 90 hits allowed. Those numbers, as bad as they are, were still better than the 7.40 ERA and 2.032 WHiP posted in 20.2 major league innings.
At this point, Finnegan may need a change of scenery. He could be the perfect buy low candidate for a team looking for building blocks, and willing to take a chance on a player who once appeared to be a future mainstay in the rotation.
Unless something changes, that team is not likely to be the Royals. Despite having enough players of questionable major league ability on the roster, they do not seem interested in bringing Finnegan back. Even though he is still only 25 years old, and could bounce back, his next opportunity will not come in Kansas City unless something changes.
Brandon Finnegan had been a key piece in the Kansas City Royals last run to contention. However, he will not be a part of any future glory.