Given the widespread need for starting pitching and a relatively strong market developing for such players, it’s come as somewhat of a surprise that Jack Flaherty has remained available.
Flaherty was widely identified as the best starter available once the likes of Blake Snell, Max Fried and Corbin Burnes came off the market. Though, there is the likelihood that some teams might be waiting for Roki Sasaki to make his decision, which won’t come until after the 2025 international signing period opens on Jan. 15.
According to Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon, Flaherty has become open to signing a short-term contract as a result of lingering in free agency:
At least two — right-hander Jack Flaherty and outfielder Anthony Santander — are open to considering short-term deals with high average annual values, according to league sources briefed on their discussions.
During the early weeks of free agency, it was reported Flaherty sought a contract that reached upwards of six years.
The Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers, Chicago Cubs, Toronto Blue Jays and San Francisco Giants have been among the teams connected to Flaherty at various points during free agency. He previously pitched for the Orioles and Tigers.
The right-hander is coming off a season in which he went 13-7 with a 3.17 ERA, 3.47 FIP and 1.07 WHIP in 28 starts. Flaherty was part of the Dodgers’ noteworthy additions at the trade deadline as they looked to address areas of need on the roster in pursuit of a World Series title.
During the team’s World Series parade, the Southern California native made it clear his preference was to re-sign with the Dodgers.
“This is unbelievable. Seeing Freddie pictures everywhere, Freddie (Freeman) is the freaking man. I love that dude. I would give him a kiss right now. The city is showing out. It’s unbelievable,” Flaherty said of the support from Dodgers fans along the parade route in downtown Los Angeles.
“This is unbelievable. I never want to leave. I never want to leave. I just never want to leave.”
Should the Dodgers consider Jack Flaherty?
While the Dodgers signed Snell and are considered a favorite for Sasaki, they didn’t retain Walker Buehler and aren’t believed to be involved for Flaherty.
However, if the 29-year-old is open to a shorter contract at a higher average annual value, that’s the type of deal Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman has typically attempted to entice free agents with.
Flaherty isn’t a significant need for the Dodgers, but he could boost what’s expected to be a six-man rotation given some of the question marks surrounding the likes of Tony Gonsolin, Dustin May and Bobby Miller, among others.
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