MLB.com is keeping track of the latest news and rumors surrounding Jack Flaherty.
Feb. 2: Flaherty reuniting with Tigers on 2-year deal (source)
Jack Flaherty will begin the 2025 season on the same team with which he began the 2024 season. The right-hander has agreed to a two-year, $35 million deal with the Tigers, a source told MLB.com's Mark Feinsand. The club has not confirmed the deal, which includes an opt-out after 2025.
Flaherty will earn $25 million in 2025, with a $10 million player option for 2026 that increases to $20 million with 15 games started this season, according to a source. More >
Feb. 2: Could Flaherty return to Tigers on short-term deal?
With about a week left before pitchers and catchers begin reporting for Spring Training, Flaherty is still available on the open market. Some of the teams that have been linked to him -- the Blue Jays, Giants and Orioles -- have made other additions to their starting rotations in recent weeks.
The Tigers, meanwhile, signed Alex Cobb to a one-year deal in early December, but perhaps they have room for one more (familiar) name? According to ESPN's Buster Olney, the Tigers could turn their attention to Flaherty if they miss out on free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman. Olney adds that the Tigers "seem destined" to acquire at least one more veteran player this season and that Flaherty is "a player they value."
Flaherty, 29, joined the Tigers on a one-year deal prior to last season and produced a 2.95 ERA with 133 strikeouts in 106 2/3 innings before being dealt to the Dodgers on July 30. Tigers president of baseball operations Scott Harris indicated last week that he is still looking for ways to improve Detroit's roster, although he singled out position-player and bullpen upgrades. But perhaps a change in Flaherty's contract demands will facilitate a reunion in the Motor City, as Olney reports that Flaherty's representatives are now looking for a short-term deal from clubs
Jan. 3: At least 5 teams reportedly in the mix for Flaherty
Flaherty enjoyed a stellar World Series-winning season in 2024. One of the top starting pitchers in free agency this winter, the 29-year-old also isn¡¯t tied to the qualifying offer, meaning any team that signs him won¡¯t have to give up a Draft pick as a result.
And yet, Flaherty remains unsigned as we begin 2025. But he is drawing interest from a handful of teams. According to MLB.com¡¯s Mark Feinsand, the Giants, Blue Jays, Tigers and Cubs are among those in the mix for Flaherty. The Orioles are also open to a reunion with the right-hander, according to MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi.
Baltimore acquired Flaherty at the 2023 Trade Deadline, but he struggled in his couple of months with the O¡¯s, posting a 6.75 ERA and an .889 opponents¡¯ OPS over 34 2/3 innings. But the Orioles are on the hunt for starting pitching help, especially after their 2024 ace, Corbin Burnes, recently signed a six-year deal with the D-backs. The Giants and Blue Jays were also heavily linked to Burnes.
Dec. 28: Do O's still see Flaherty as 'fallback option' after Burnes' Arizona deal?
The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal reported earlier this month (subscription required) that the Orioles viewed Flaherty as a ¡°fallback option¡± if they were unable to bring back Corbin Burnes, who has reportedly agreed to a six-year, $210 million deal with the D-backs.
Flaherty enjoyed a successful few months with Detroit, logging a 2.95 ERA with 133 strikeouts over 106 2/3 before he was traded to the Dodgers and eventually won a World Series ring.
The 29-year-old right-hander was an Oriole for a short while in 2023 after he was acquired from the Cardinals at the Trade Deadline. But his stint in Baltimore was a forgettable one. It featured 26 earned runs allowed over 34 2/3 frames and an .889 opponents¡¯ OPS. However, Flaherty¡¯s lack of success may have been due to fatigue; he had already thrown 109 2/3 innings that year for St. Louis after amassing 154 2/3 innings from 2020-22. Flaherty tossed 184 innings this past season (playoffs included), so he shouldn¡¯t have many workload concerns in 2025.
Unlike Burnes and a couple of other notable names on the free-agent pitching market, Flaherty is not tied to a qualifying offer. That means if a team other than the Dodgers signs him, it won¡¯t have to forfeit a Draft pick as a result. That should make him even more appealing to clubs looking to strengthen their rotation.