Tigers' Jack Flaherty escalates 2026 player option value

Jack Flaherty had a forgettable start this evening, allowing eight runs without escaping the third inning at Tampa Bay. He’s likely to take a loss as a result, but he did check off a notable contractual milestone.

This was Flaherty’s 15th start of the season. His two-year free agent deal only guaranteed $10M for the 2026 campaign, but that escalated by another $10M once he reached 15 starts this year. Flaherty can opt out after this season, but he’ll now officially be weighing a $20M call once winter arrives.

It may wind up being immaterial. Flaherty certainly expected to opt out when he signed a two-year, $35M guarantee. He was reportedly seeking a five-year deal early in the offseason, presumably one that’d get him to nine figures. The market didn’t materialize, leading to a modified pillow contract. He’s making $25M this season and hoped for another swing at the long-term deal when he hit free agency at age 30.

That’s still the goal. Flaherty’s second season in Detroit has been inconsistent. He took a 4.03 earned run average into tonight’s start. It’s pushing 5.00 after that disastrous outing. Flaherty has been hit hard in consecutive appearances. He gave up seven runs to Cincinnati across 4 2/3 innings last time out. The two blow-ups have followed his best stretch of the year. Flaherty went six innings in each of his three starts between May 27 and June 8. He allowed one combined run while recording 21 strikeouts.

Flaherty has punched out more than 28% of opposing hitters. That’s in line with last season’s near-30% rate. He has had escalating home run issues over the past couple of years, though. The option decision isn’t the focus anytime soon, but it’ll be a subplot of his second half. Flaherty has never received a qualifying offer, so the Tigers would be able to QO him if he opts out.