When the Dodgers traded two young players for Tigers starter Jack Flaherty, the franchise knew it was only a temporary addition. Flaherty, who turns 29 in October, will be a free agent at the end of the season.
In 2023, Flaherty was a free agent. In the offseason, he signed a one-year, $14 million contract with the Tigers. Based on his performances this season in Detroit and Los Angeles, Flaherty is expected to sign a multi-year deal this coming offseason. ESPN’s Jeff Passan said Flaherty has hit the $25 million per year mark for a multi-year deal.
This season, the right-hander has posted a 3.00 ERA, the lowest of his career since 2019, when he played for the Cardinals and ranked sixth among National League pitchers in strikeouts (231).
One cause for concern with Flaherty is his medical history. Shortly before the Tigers traded him, Flaherty missed a start in July due to a lower back injury that required two injections in three weeks. He was never placed on the injured list. The injury was reportedly so much of a concern that teams like the Yankees decided against trading Flaherty at the deadline.
Flaherty’s ERA rose from 2.95 with the Tigers to 3.22 with the Dodgers, a drop in performance that some may attribute to a lingering back injury.
Although his ERA has increased slightly, Flaherty remains undefeated as a Dodger with a 3-0 record in four starts. He has recorded 29 strikeouts while walking just five batters and hitting one, highlighting Flaherty’s ability to control his pitches.
In addition, Flaherty has a five-pitch repertoire. He relies heavily on his four-seam fastball (43.5 percent of throws), which averages 93.5 mph. Flaherty has started to incorporate his slider (30.8 percent) and knuckle curve (20.3 percent) more often this season. Although it’s rare, he occasionally mixes in a changeup (3 percent) and sinker (2.4 percent).
Flaherty was considered the top pitching transfer target at the deadline. If he can’t negotiate a contract extension with the Dodgers, he will become one of the top pitching free agents, meaning multiple teams will court the California native. The Dodgers could consider re-signing Flaherty a priority, but that will come at a high price.
Photo credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
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