Jack Flaherty’s free agency hasn’t precisely unfolded as intended. The local legend for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2024 has still not discovered a new team, even though baseball experts speculate on his upcoming signing.
Flaherty may return to Los Angeles if the Dodgers do not secure a deal with Japanese free agent Roki Sasaki. For the time being, Jim Bowden of The Athletic has him moving to the National League East, taking over for his childhood teammate Max Fried in the Atlanta Braves’ starting rotation.
“Bowden stated that he’s the top starting pitcher available right now, aside from Sasaki, and could be a game-changer for a playoff team.” “However, Flaherty’s medical evaluations will decide if he receives a long-term deal or has to accept a contract like Walker Buehler’s, who inked a one-year, $21 million agreement with the Red Sox.”
The Braves suffered the loss of Fried to a huge free-agent deal with the New York Yankees, Charlie Morton inked a contract with the Baltimore Orioles, and Spencer Strider will not be prepared for Opening Day following elbow surgery involving an internal brace.
Following the exit of multiple veterans, Atlanta should seek to acquire an experienced starter instead of relying on younger players to occupy the front-end of the starting rotation.
“I’ve been told that a return to the Tigers isn’t ruled out,” Bowden remarked. “Last season, Flaherty performed well for them, achieving a 2.95 ERA across 18 starts prior to the trade deadline transaction to the Dodgers.” Other teams associated with him include the Cubs, Giants, and Blue Jays.
This winter, Flaherty has been linked to various teams such as the Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers, Chicago Cubs, Toronto Blue Jays, and San Francisco Giants.
As the World Series champion hasn’t secured a contract at his desired price, he is open to agreeing to a short-term deal, as reported by Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic:
“According to league sources informed about their talks, at least two—right-hander Jack Flaherty and outfielder Anthony Santander—are willing to explore short-term contracts with elevated average annual values.”
Flaherty clearly stated during the Dodgers’ World Series festivities that he wished to stay in Los Angeles.
“This is incredible.” Spotting Freddie’s photos all around, Freddie (Freeman) truly is the man. I really like that guy. I would kiss him at this moment. The city is putting on a display. “It’s extraordinary,” Flaherty remarked about the backing from Dodgers supporters during the parade in downtown Los Angeles.
“This is inconceivable.” I never wish to go. I always want to stay. “I simply never want to go.”
Flaherty concluded the 2024 season with a 13-7 record, recording a 3.17 ERA, 3.47 FIP, and 1.07 WHIP over 28 starts, establishing himself as one of the Dodgers’ key trade deadline pickups.
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