Tigers' first Winter Meetings splash was most predictable move they could've made

Detroit Tigers fans were thoroughly displeased with Scott Harris' appearance on MLB Network at the Winter Meetings, but it appears he has woken up from his slumber to make his first big splash of the offseason.

Though it might sound underwhelming because so many expected it to happen, it still felt good to learn the Tigers are bringing back reliever Kyle Finnegan on a two-year contract Tuesday night.

We're approaching midnight on the east coast and thought something reserved for these hours would be a much bigger transaction, but there's no denying fans are happy about this. Just last week, it was reported the two sides had mutual interest in getting a deal done.

Perhaps the move should've been made sooner, but after learning the details of the contract it makes a bit more sense as to why this was seemingly dragged out. Finnegan will make upwards of $20 million over the next two seasons in Detroit.

That's a pretty significant price for a team like the Tigers to pay for relief help, but it's clear they're looking to maintain that back-end bullpen stability from 2025.

Tigers News: Kyle Finnegan returning to Detroit in free agency

The Tigers' attempt transformative trade deadline backfired, with only Finnegan and fellow reliever Rafael Montero proving to be worthwhile acquisitions. Everything else bombed, the Tigers blew the division, and they ended up being a piece or two away from a legitimate World Series run.

This time around, it'll be the same story. The Tigers really need to capitalize on the group that they have for 2026, and such previous half-measures/low-risk, low-reward deals need to be limited. This is a talented baseball team that's been taken to Game 5 of the ALDS the last two years. More is needed to take the next step and challenge for a pennant.

Finnegan should signal just the beginning of the Tigers' offseason, but Harris isn't revealing his hand. There are plenty of ways the Tigers can go about their business. Fans will just need to see more action before they can totally buy in.

Let's hope the front office is doing their best Dodgers impression. LA essentially lied about their need for bullpen help and then went out and spent $69 million on Edwin Diaz. Could the Tigers make a similar splash with their offense?