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Chicago White Sox taking chance on Brandon Finnegan

By David Hill |
Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Brandon Finnegan (69) throws a pitch in the first inning of the MLB Cactus League Spring Training game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Oakland Athletics at Hohokam Stadium in Mesa, Ariz., on Monday, March 1, 2021.Cincinnati Reds At Oakland Athletics Spring Training
Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Brandon Finnegan (69) throws a pitch in the first inning of the MLB Cactus League Spring Training game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Oakland Athletics at Hohokam Stadium in Mesa, Ariz., on Monday, March 1, 2021.Cincinnati Reds At Oakland Athletics Spring Training

This is not how things were supposed to be for Brandon Finnegan. The 17th overall selection in the 2014 MLB Draft, he was promoted to the Royals in September of that year, serving as a valuable arm in the bullpen. A top 100 prospect prior to 2015, he was traded to the Reds as part of the Johnny Cueto deal, where he was expected to lead the Reds’ rotation. However, due to injuries and his own struggles, Finnegan has not appeared in the majors since 2018.

After being released by the Reds in November, it was uncertain as to what the future would hold for Finnegan. That question has been answered in part as he has signed a minor league contract with the Chicago White Sox.

Chicago White Sox hoping to unlock Brandon Finnegan’s potential

Finnegan showed his potential in his first full season in Cincinnati. He produced a misleading 10-11 record for the rebuilding Reds, along with a solid 3.98 ERA and a 1.360 WHiP in his 172 innings. That performance may not have been ace caliber, but he appeared as though he would be a solid middle of the rotation arm.

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Disaster struck in 2017. He injured both his shoulders in separate incidents, essentially ruining his effectiveness. Finnegan was unusable in 2018, allowing 20 runs, 17 earned, on 27 hits and 15 walks over his 20.2 innings before being sent to the minors. That was his last stint in the majors.

Although the Reds looked to put him back into the bullpen following the 2018 season, Finnegan continued to struggle in the minors. His command, which was always tenuous at best, has been even worse as he has issued 46 walks in his 70.1 innings since the start of the 2019 season. It is fair to wonder if he will ever live up to his potential.

His history will lead to additional chances. Finnegan had been a top prospect and a former first round pick, meaning that teams will give him a look when he may have otherwise been left on the sidelines. But he will need to prove that he deserves this opportunity.

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The Chicago White Sox are giving Brandon Finnegan another chance. Maybe this time, he will be able to live up to his potential.

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