Three potential landing spots for Jack Flaherty

The Detroit Tigers have to make a decision on Jack Flaherty soon.

At 47-50 at the All-Star Break and seven games out of a playoff berth, the Tigers would appear to be sellers at the deadline. However, that may not be the case, especially if the team starts the second half on a hot streak. Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reported that the Tigers are not just getting ready to sell pieces, but to add some as well if their record warrants such moves.

Flaherty may be the best player on the trade block if the Tigers sell. He has posted a 3.13 ERA and a 0.979 WHiP in his 95 innings, striking out 119 batters with only 16 walks. 

However, there may be a red flag as well. Flaherty had his July 4 start skipped due to a sore back. He avoided the Injured List after receiving an injection to alleviate the pain. Flaherty's health will be closely watched as the July 30 trade deadline approaches.

The Tigers will have plenty of suitors for Flaherty. Let's take a look at three possible landing spots.

Minnesota Twins

The Minnesota Twins are currently the fifth seed in the American League, but their hold on that spot is tenuous at best.

Joe Ryan and Simeon Woods-Richardson are the only Twins starters who have been better than league average. While Pablo Lopez should return to form, the Twins know that the rotation is an area of concern. According to Dan Hayes of The Athletic, the Twins are looking to the rental market for upgrades. Flaherty, a pending free agent, would help solidify the back of the rotation while adding another arm with postseason experience. 

St. Louis Cardinals

The St. Louis Cardinals also need to solidify the back of their rotation. According to Jim Bowden of The Athletic, the Cardinals are focusing on adding another veteran starter.

The Cardinals have plenty of familiarity with Flaherty. He was a first-round pick of the Cardinals in the 2014 MLB Draft, remaining in their system until he was dealt to the Orioles at the 2023 trade deadline. A reunion would make sense as Miles Mikolas continues to struggle and the Cardinals are looking for someone to seize the vacancy in their rotation.

Houston Astros

The Houston Astros were left for dead at the beginning of June as they were seven games under .500 and attempting to stay out of the AL West basement. A white-hot run from that point on leaves Houston two games behind the Mariners for the division, another postseason berth clearly in their sights.

The Astros should get some pitchers back soon as Justin Verlander and Luis Garcia are throwing bullpen sessions. There are still questions in the rotation even if Verlander and Garcia can return healthy; Ronel Blanco does not have a track record of sustained success and Spencer Arrighetti has been inconsistent. Adding Flaherty may be what the Astros need to surge past the Mariners and return to the postseason.