The Los Angeles Dodgers star Jack Flaherty is eyeing for a next MLB contract. The star pitcher is running high on rumors, and his quest for the next big break could give the league new hope. However, an AL East rival of the Dodgers has emerged as a potential new suitor.
As the Baltimore Orioles regroup after missing out on Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes, there’s a buzz about potentially bringing back Jack Flaherty. He is a familiar face for the franchise, with a rocky stint with the Orioles in 2023. After his disappointing nine-game run in Baltimore, where he posted a 6.75 ERA, many might wonder why he’s back on their radar.
However, Flaherty showed flashes of his former self with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He managed a solid 3.58 ERA in ten appearances, which has some executives rethinking their strategies. The Orioles are in a complex state, with Kyle Bradish recovering from Tommy John surgery and Grayson Rodriguez still finding his footing. The team desperately needs a reliable starting pitcher to help them compete in the tough AL East.
The Orioles are eyeing Jack Flaherty after losing Corbin Burnes, per @WillSammon and @katiejwoo pic.twitter.com/1XfRqe5Ibs
— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) December 31, 2024
The allure of Flaherty isn’t without its complications, though. At 29 years old, he’s made it clear he’s looking for a long-term commitment, specifically a five-year deal. And that could complicate things as other teams, like the San Francisco Giants and Detroit Tigers, also show interest. Just Baseball’s Ryan Finkelstein even predicted he could land a sweet $100 million contract with the Giants. If that is to be considered, the pressure would be on the Orioles to step up their negotiation game.
Baltimore Orioles Recently Inquired Jack Flaherty
The Baltimore Orioles have recently inquired about free-agent pitcher Jack Flaherty. Their interest indicates that he may be a viable option as they seek to bolster their starting rotation. Following the departure of Corbin Burnes to Arizona on a lucrative six-year deal, the Orioles need reliable starting pitching.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral MLB stories via Google! Follow Us
According to reports from Will Sammon and Katie Woo of The Athletic, Flaherty has emerged as a fallback option for the team. Flaherty recorded a disappointing 6.75 ERA in nine appearances during his earlier stint with the Orioles. However, his more recent success with the Dodgers and the Tigers has kept him in the conversation for a potential multi-year contract.
No way in hell Jack Flaherty should get 5 years, especially from an Orioles front office that traded for him in 2023 when he had a 6.75 ERA in Baltimore https://t.co/rU5WyqsyPz pic.twitter.com/0KpfqMlGzU
— Baltimore Sports Fan (@88OriolesFan88) December 31, 2024
Flaherty’s performance trajectory has been promising since his rough patch with the Orioles. He is coming off a solid 13-7 record and a 3.17 ERA over 28 combined starts in the 2024 season. That said, the Orioles know all too well the risks of signing Flaherty. His previous struggles in Baltimore and a history of injuries could halt any potential deal.
Also Read: New York Yankees Set To Add Another Southpaw Pitcher To Strengthen Their Rotation
