As the trade deadline approaches, the Detroit Tigers are reportedly open to considering trade offers for Jack Flaherty. Flaherty, the longtime St. Louis Cardinal, was traded to the Baltimore Orioles at last year’s trade deadline. He finished the season 8-9 with a 4.99 ERA and a 22.8 percent strikeout rate over 144 1/3 innings. The right-hander has had a bounce-back season in the Tigers rotation after joining as a free agent in December. Flaherty has thrown 72 2/3 innings in 12 starts this season and holds a 3-4 record with a 3.22 ERA. His 94 strikeouts are the fourth-most strikeouts in the American League while his 0.96 WHIP ranks fifth.
With another six weeks before the July 30th trade deadline, the Tigers are open to listening to offers for Flaherty.
Tigers Fielding Trade Offers for Jack Flaherty
Flaherty had a breakout season in 2019 with a 2.75 ERA and a National League-leading 0.968 WHIP. The 28-year-old set career highs in innings pitched and strikeouts earning him a fifth-place finish in Cy Young voting. After his career year in 2019, a slew of injuries sidelined Flaherty for the next 18 months.
While Detroit (32-25) sits 3 1/2 games back in the AL Wild Card race, the Tigers are in the midst of a rebuild. Flaherty has the potential to be a true ace for Detroit. However, the Tigers may consider moving him for the offensive help they need. His resurgence has made him a coveted asset as the trade deadline approaches.
Given the lack of starting pitchers available, The Athletic reports Flaherty “could bring back a haul.” The Cardinals received a solid group of mid-tier prospects after trading the veteran right-hander to the Orioles last season. Flaherty, a pending free agent, could net the Tigers a much better package if they decide to trade him.
Multiple teams including the San Diego Padres, Milwaukee Brewers, St. Louis Cardinals and Atlanta Braves could be buyers in the starting pitching market. Insiders suggest the Padres, who are shopping for an “impact” starting pitcher, have already spoken with Detroit about the right-hander. Atlanta has also emerged as a potential trade destination for Flaherty after losing ace Spencer Strider to season-ending elbow surgery.
In the next few weeks, Detroit must decide: capitalize on Flaherty’s resurgence for future assets or maintain their competitive edge.
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