Three potential landing spots for Jack Flaherty

Jack Flaherty had one of the more successful "prove it" seasons in recent memory.

Flaherty had been one of the more promising young arms in baseball before injuries took their toll. He battled oblique and shoulder injuries from 2020 through 2022, unable to get into a rhythm and build on his early success. 

Although he was healthy in 2023, his performance did not inspire confidence, especially after his trade to Baltimore. Flaherty had a combined 4.99 ERA and a 1.580 WHIP in his 143.4 innings between the Cardinals and Orioles, striking out 148 batters with 66 walks. He settled for a one-year, $14 million contract with the Tigers, looking to rebuild his value.

He did exactly that. Flaherty became one of the top pitchers available at the trade deadline, eventually heading to the Dodgers for a pair of prospects. He posted a combined 3.17 ERA and a 1.068 WHIP in his 161.3 innings, striking out 194 batters with 38 walks. At 29 years old and coming off a dominant season, Flaherty is one of the best starting pitchers available in free agency.

Flaherty changed his fortunes with one dominant season. Let's take a look at where he could land in free agency.

New York Yankees

The Yankees had interest in Flaherty at the trade deadline and were on the verge of acquiring the righty. However, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported that concerns with his medicals led the Yankees to back out of any potential deal.

The Yankees are known to be looking for another top-of-the-rotation arm to slot behind ace Gerrit Cole. Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported that the Yankees have been looking at the top arms in free agency in hopes of shoring up the rotation. Flaherty may be in the tier below, but he could be just as valuable an option.

Detroit Tigers

The Tigers went on an unexpected run to the playoffs, pushing the Guardians to five games in the American League Division Series. The question is whether or not the Tigers can continue that run in 2025.

Evan Woodbery of MLive.com was among those who reported that Tigers president of baseball operations Scott Harris has two primary areas of focus this offseason. He wants to add more right-handed hitting and fortify all areas of the pitching staff. A reunion with Flaherty could make sense, providing a solid second starter behind Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal. 

Washington Nationals

The Nationals are expected to be a factor in free agency, having been linked to Anthony Santander. While the Nationals need another power bat in the lineup, the rotation also needs to be addressed.

The Nationals rotation is still very inexperienced at the major league level, as none of their projected starters have eclipsed 400 innings in their careers. 

MacKenzie Gore has displayed flashes of being able to reach his potential but has not put everything together yet. Flaherty would provide that top-of-the-rotation arm the Nationals need while providing a veteran mentor for the younger arms. If the Nationals are serious about contending in 2025, adding Flaherty would be the right place to start.