When the Dodgers traded two prospects for Tigers starting pitcher Jack Flaherty, they knew he was only a temporary addition. Flaherty, who turns 29 in October, will become a free agent at the end of the season.
In 2023, Flaherty was a free agent. He signed a one-year, $14 million contract with the Tigers during the offseason. With his performance this season in Detroit and Los Angeles, Flaherty is anticipated to sign a multi-year contract in the next offseason. According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, Flaherty has agreed to a multi-year contract for $25 million per year.
This season, the right-hander has a 3.0 ERA. This is his lowest strikeout total since 2019, when he was with the Cardinals and was sixth in the National League with 231.
One issue with Flaherty is his medical history. Flaherty missed a start in July due to a lower back issue that required two injections in three weeks, just before being dealt by the Tigers. He was never on the injured list. The injury allegedly caused enough anxiety that parties such as the Yankees decided not to trade for 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 blame on a nagging back ailment.
Although his ERA has climbed slightly, Flaherty is still undefeated as a Dodger, with a 3-0 record in four starts. Flaherty has 29 strikeouts, five walks, and one hit, demonstrating excellent pitch control.
Flaherty has a five-pitch repertoire. He relies mainly on his four-seam fastball (43.5 percent of deliveries), which has an average velocity of 93.5 MPH. Flaherty has begun to use his slider (30.8 percent) and knuckle curve (20.3%) more this season. He occasionally throws a changeup (3%) and a sinker (2.4%).
Flaherty was considered the top pitching trade target at the deadline. Unless he signs an extension with the Dodgers, he will become one of the top pitching free agents, and numerous teams would pursue the California native. The Dodgers might make re-signing Flaherty a priority, but it will come at a high price.
