For the second time in a year, Jack Flaherty is back in the free agent market. Last December, the right-hander signed a one-year contract with the Detroit Tigers. He bet on himself, and it looks like it pays big dividends. Now, he’s a World Series champion.
Hometown World Series Champion May Fly The Coup This Winter
Going Home
Unable to reach a long-term agreement in the Motor City, Flaherty became one of the most sought-after trade pieces last summer. The right-hander had an Earned Run Average below three in 106 and 2/3 innings. Known for his durability and consistent outings, the former first-round pick of the St. Louis Cardinals was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers as the Trade Deadline expired. The Southern California native was pitching for his childhood favorite team. He was just what Manager (Doc) Roberts ordered in the regular season, as Flaherty went 6-2 and posted a 3.58 ERA. during the regular season.
Up And Down
The postseason was a bit of a different story. Flaherty had five total starts. Two of them were exceptional; he gave two runs or less. The other three were less than stellar. The other three outings were less than stellar. The hurler gave up at least four earned runs in each. It all ended up with a postseason ERA of over seven.
Market Value And Projections
If teams are wary of the right-hander’s inconsistency in the postseason, the market isn’t showing it. The going rate for a pitcher the caliber of Flaherty is 115 million over five years, and at least half a dozen teams are vying for the World Champion’s services. Here are three of the most likely fits.
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are said to be one of the most aggressive teams in the free agent market. The traditional postseason contender in the American League has been mired in mediocrity the last few years. In order to break the cycle, rumors are that they are trying to land at least one pitcher named Blake Snell, Corbin Burnes, or Max Fried. Flaherty would be a solid second starter behind any of these frontline starters. He would give Boston the quality starts they crave.
Atlanta Braves
The perennial powerhouse has been known for its starting pitching since the 1990s, and it is in dire need of pitching depth. Charlie Morton and Max Fried are free agents and may not return. Spencer Strider will not be ready for Opening Day, given that he is still recovering from Tommy John surgery. Cy Young Award Winner Chris Sale needs someone to back him up until reinforcements arrive later in the season. Flaherty could and would fit the bill.
New York Yankees
The Yankees got a front-row seat to see how effective the right-hander could be when they met the Dodgers in the World Series. Of course, New York almost traded for him in July. A Gerrit Cole, Luis Gil, and Jack Flaherty rotation could be formidable any time of the year, especially in the postseason. Would the Yankees reconsider bringing Flaherty to The Big Apple? More importantly, would the World Series champion want to don pinstripes?
Whatever happens, Jack Flaherty will have an abundance of choices this off-season. A World Series ring speaks for itself.
Main Photo Credits: Brad Penner
