2024 World Series Champion Pitcher Signs with the Tigers
Los Angeles native and 2024 World Series Champion Jack Flaherty has signed the second free agent contract of his career. Last year, he signed a one-year deal worth $14 million with the Tigers. Now, he has signed a two-year deal with the Detroit Tigers worth $35 million. After the Dodgers signed Blake Snell to a five-year contract, it was almost certain Flaherty would not be returning. The Tigers are getting a very solid starting pitcher and possible ace in Flaherty. Getting Flaherty was a tough task with how many teams were after him. After his impressive season, he was a hot target on the free agency market. This signing will help address the starting pitching problem for the Tigers.
Jack Flaherty has had an up-and-down career but is currently on the upside of it. After signing a one-year deal with the Tigers before the 2024 season, Flaherty solidified himself as one of the best-starting pitchers in the league. With the Tigers, he put up a 2.95 ERA with a 0.956 WHIP with a 7-5 record. Come July, Flaherty was one of the top trade targets for the trade deadline. With the Tigers in a rut, Flaherty was dealt to Los Angeles, where he assumed the ace role for the rest of the season. Although his numbers were down with the Dodgers in comparison to his Detroit numbers, he still pitched great for the Dodgers. With all the injuries on the pitching staff, Flaherty stepped up into the ace role and led the Dodgers to the best record in baseball.
In the playoffs, Flaherty really excelled the first start in a series but struggled the second time. Some people may be concerned, but when you’re seeing the same pitcher twice in five days, it can become a lot easier to hit. If Flaherty can continue his upward projection from 2024, the Tigers will be extremely happy. For just $35 million, the Tigers are getting a great value deal out of Flaherty. He’s going to eat innings up all year and is proven to be viable in the playoffs as long as he is only seeing a team once. Flaherty will headline the top of the staff in 2025 and hope to lead them to the playoffs.
