While much attention has been drawn to his rotation mate, Jack Flaherty represents one of the biggest trade chips for the Detroit Tigers. Many expected Flaherty to draw league-wide interest in a pitching-thin market. On Thursday, The Athletic reported the Baltimore Orioles as one of the teams interested in acquiring Flaherty at the trade deadline.
Jack Flaherty Drawing Interest From Former Team
MLB trade deadline watch: O’s open to Jack Flaherty reunion, Marlins relievers are popular and more ⤵️https://t.co/5G8SEd5rzs
— The Athletic MLB (@TheAthleticMLB) July 25, 2024
Baltimore Orioles Interested In Jack Flaherty
Baltimore desperately needs pitching help and is expected to be one of the most aggressive teams at the deadline. However, it was unclear if the Orioles would be interested in a reunion with Flaherty.
Flaherty struggled last season after the Orioles acquired him in a deadline trade with the St. Louis Cardinals. In nine games (seven starts), the righty tossed 34 2/3 innings and posted a 6.75 ERA (61 ERA+).
Furthermore, Flaherty will once again be a free agent after this season. As outlined by The Athletic, Baltimore might prefer to acquire pitchers under contract through at least next season. The team’s ace will be a free agent after this year, and injuries will sideline three other starters through 2025.
Due to this depth chart uncertainty, the Orioles don’t seem to want to trade away assets for pitchers on expiring deals, like Flaherty. So, because of his contact status and previous stint in the organization, many questioned whether the Orioles would want to trade for Flaherty once again.
What Makes Flaherty An Attractive Trade Option For The Orioles
The organization has been linked to high-upside starters with multiple years of team control. That said, prices for those pitchers are reportedly (and predictably) high. While the Orioles have the deep farm system to pull off a trade of that nature, the organization seemingly has turned its attention to Flaherty and his lower price tag.
Additionally, the Orioles reportedly don’t have concerns about Flaherty’s poor production following last summer’s deadline trade. Flaherty threw over 109 innings when Baltimore acquired him last year. He accumulated just 154 2/3 in the three prior seasons combined.
The Orioles understand that Flaherty’s struggles following the trade likely stemmed from fatigue. His dominance this season only strengthens that theory.
In possibly his final start with the Tigers, Jack Flaherty allowed 0 ER over 6 IP tonight against the AL-leading Guardians.
Flaherty’s ERA is 2.95, the lowest of any @MLB starter on an expiring contract with the exception of Corbin Burnes.
The trade deadline is 6 days away.…
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 25, 2024
In 18 starts this year, the 28-year-old has thrown 106 2/3 innings with a 2.95 ERA with excellent strikeout and walk rates. His underlying metrics also support this production and indicate his success has not been fluky. Flaherty has rebounded and is having one of the best seasons of his career after struggling in Baltimore last year.
How Baltimore Can Lower The Prospect Cost For Flaherty
In the same article, The Athletic reports that Baltimore is interested in almost every quality reliever possibly available. Detroit’s bullpen features a mix of solid arms with various degrees of team control. Perhaps the Orioles would be more willing to give up a good prospect in a Flaherty trade if they also acquire a reliever in the deal.
Another option could be to acquire the struggling Kenta Maeda and take on his contract. He signed with the Tigers this offseason to start, but his struggles led to a demotion to the bullpen. He is owed $10 million next year and the remainder of his $14 million salary this year.
Maeda is a versatile arm with plenty of postseason experience. He also isn’t far removed from previous big league success. The Orioles could look to buy low on him and hope to fix his issues. Plus, Detroit will surely be excited to clear his contract from their books.
Mike Elias on the trade deadline:
The new ownership group led by David Rubenstein is a “positive” as the Orioles pursue trades.
When asked about payroll considerations at the deadline, Elias said Rubenstein is “prepared to support our pursuits in that area.”
— Jacob Calvin Meyer (@jcalvinmeyer) July 13, 2024
If the Orioles agree to take on most of his contract in a Flaherty trade, would the Tigers be willing to accept a lesser prospect package? The Orioles could also try to lower the prospect cost by offering a veteran player under team control. The Tigers likely want to win next season, and this could help replace veterans on expiring deals.
The Orioles represent one of the most interesting teams to watch at this summer’s trade deadline. Whether they shoot for a high-upside arm under team control or opt for a more budget-friendly option like Flaherty, their decisions could be the difference between winning the World Series and falling short.
Main Photo Credits: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
