Shohei Ohtani and his headline-grabbing moves have drawn significant attention across Major League Baseball, but this offseason, another star pitcher, Jack Flaherty, is emerging as a key figure in the free-agent market. Flaherty, who played a pivotal role in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ World Series run after being acquired midseason, is now linked to a potential reunion with the Detroit Tigers, the team he left at the trade deadline. The Tigers, who surprised many with their strong performance last season, are reportedly interested in bringing Flaherty back to bolster their pitching rotation.
According to ESPN’s David Schoenfield, Flaherty is projected to sign a five-year, $115 million deal with Detroit. This prediction reflects the Tigers’ need to strengthen their rotation as they aim to build on their recent success and continue competing in the American League. Schoenfield’s forecast also places Flaherty among the second tier of available free-agent pitchers, alongside names like Sean Manaea, while noting that their markets are influenced by potential trades involving other star pitchers, such as the Mariners’ Luis Castillo, the Padres’ Dylan Cease, and the Astros’ Framber Valdez.
The Tigers had a firsthand look at Flaherty’s dominance during his tenure with the team in 2024. Before being traded to the Dodgers, Flaherty compiled an impressive 7-5 record with a 2.95 ERA and a 0.956 WHIP across 18 starts. He was a standout in the Tigers’ rotation, second only to American League Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal. Flaherty’s performance made him a vital piece of Detroit’s success during the first half of the season, which is why the team’s interest in re-signing him makes sense.
Detroit’s rotation is currently in need of reinforcements despite the addition of veteran Alex Cobb this offseason. While Cobb is a reliable pitcher when healthy, his injury history makes him a less dependable option. Behind Skubal and rising talent Reese Olson, the Tigers’ rotation lacks depth, especially if the team intends to contend in 2025. Young arms like Jackson Jobe and Casey Mize offer potential, but relying solely on unproven talent comes with risks. Adding Flaherty would provide Detroit with a proven veteran capable of anchoring the rotation alongside Skubal.
Schoenfield highlights the Tigers’ thin rotation and emphasizes how Flaherty’s return could address this weakness. “The Tigers did sign Alex Cobb, but the rotation is still pretty thin behind Tarik Skubal and Reese Olson, especially given Cobb’s injury history,” Schoenfield wrote. “Flaherty, of course, was outstanding with Detroit in 2024 (2.95 ERA in 18 starts) before he was traded to the Dodgers, so the Tigers have seen him at his best.”
Flaherty’s success during his time in Detroit positions him as an ideal candidate to lead the team’s rotation. His ability to deliver consistent, high-level performances makes him a valuable asset for a Tigers squad looking to sustain its winning momentum. While his contributions to the Dodgers’ World Series victory solidified his status as one of the league’s top pitchers, it also increased his value in free agency, making him a prime target for teams in need of a frontline starter.
The Tigers’ interest in Flaherty is part of their broader strategy to remain competitive in the American League. After years of rebuilding, Detroit has emerged as a playoff contender, and re-signing Flaherty would signal their commitment to maintaining that status. His experience and leadership could also prove invaluable to the development of younger pitchers like Jobe and Mize, who stand to benefit from learning alongside a seasoned veteran.
Flaherty’s potential deal with Detroit would not only reunite him with a team where he thrived but also provide the Tigers with a stabilizing force in their rotation. His proven track record and ability to perform under pressure make him a reliable option for a team with aspirations of postseason success. Moreover, his familiarity with the Tigers’ system and coaching staff would likely make for a seamless transition back to Detroit.
On the other hand, Flaherty’s departure from Los Angeles would leave a gap in the Dodgers’ rotation. After acquiring him at the trade deadline, the Dodgers leaned on Flaherty during their playoff run, where he delivered key performances en route to the World Series. His departure would require the Dodgers to explore other options in free agency or trades to fill the void.
Flaherty’s free agency comes during an offseason where several top-tier pitchers are dominating headlines. While pitchers like Max Fried and Corbin Burnes are considered the premier options on the market, the availability of Flaherty and Manaea provides teams with more affordable alternatives. As trade rumors swirl around other big-name pitchers, Flaherty’s lower price point makes him an attractive option for teams looking to strengthen their rotations without breaking the bank.
For the Tigers, the decision to pursue Flaherty reflects their understanding of the importance of a strong pitching staff in achieving sustained success. With Skubal already established as one of the league’s best pitchers, pairing him with a talent like Flaherty would give Detroit a formidable one-two punch at the top of their rotation. Such a duo could be instrumental in helping the Tigers navigate a competitive American League and make a deep postseason run.
In summary, Jack Flaherty’s potential return to the Detroit Tigers is a storyline to watch this offseason. After an impressive stint with the team in 2024, Flaherty is seen as a key piece that could help the Tigers solidify their rotation and build on their recent success. With a projected five-year, $115 million deal on the table, Detroit appears poised to make a significant investment in their pitching staff. If Flaherty does reunite with the Tigers, it could prove to be a game-changing move for a team looking to cement its status as a contender in the American League.
