The Los Angeles Dodgers bolstered their starting rotation at the trade deadline by acquiring Jack Flaherty from the Detroit Tigers. While Flaherty’s postseason performance was inconsistent, his potential remains high.
As a free agent, Flaherty has attracted interest from multiple teams. Despite his desire to remain with the Dodgers, he is expected to explore his options and weigh offers from other clubs. According to the latest reports, three teams are in on the veteran entering his 9th season; The New York Mets, who just signed Juan Soto to a historic contract, the Baltimore Orioles, and the Detroit Tigers, where Flaherty pitched for 12 games before being traded to the Dodgers.
Dodgers Out. Mets, Tigers, Orioles, Yankees In On Jack Flaherty
With the recent signing of Blake Snell, the Dodgers may be less inclined to pursue Jack Flaherty at his current market value. Flaherty is expected to command a significant contract, potentially exceeding $100 million over five or six years. His contract demands are comparable to those of recent free-agent pitchers like Kevin Gausman and Robbie Ray, according to DodgersBlue.com
The Mets have their eye on fellow former Dodger Walker Buehler as well as former Boston Red Sox pitcher Nick Pivetta.
Flaherty had also been on the Orioles staff for a short four-game stint in 2023, but the club appears to be interested in a reunion, despite his one and three in his time with the team. They also have been looking toward Texas Rangers All-Star pitcher Nathan Eovaldi.
The Tigers reportedly have some interest in bringing Flaherty back. The New York Yankees have emerged as a candidate as well. MLB Network analyst Jim Bowden believes the New York Yankees should consider pursuing Flaherty this offseason, despite concerns about his medical history. While the Yankees expressed interest in acquiring Flaherty last summer, concerns about his health ultimately prevented a trade.
“The Yankees seem to be a perfect fit for Flaherty, whom they came close to acquiring at last season’s trade deadline. They ultimately nixed the potential deal over medical concerns about his lower back. However, if they are comfortable with his medical records and health risk this time, a deal with the righty still makes sense to bolster their rotation depth — and this way, the Yankees won’t have to part with prospects to get him. Flaherty, 29, went 13-7 last season with a 3.17 ERA over 28 starts. He struck out 194 in 162 innings and was worth 3.1 WAR,” Bowden wrote in the The Athletic.
