LA Rivals Set to Clash: Dodgers $100M Playoff Hero Set to Sign with…
The Los Angeles Dodgers could quietly lose a crucial contributor to their championship roster this winter.
After clawing their way through a brutal National League playoff picture, the Dodgers made quick work of the Yankees in five games in the World Series, making it seem as though the whole thing had been a cakewalk. But if not for a crucial trade acquisition, it all could have been moot.
Jack Flaherty was a godsend for the Dodgers this season, keeping the team afloat while his rotation-mates dropped like flies after the trade deadline. He wasn’t great from a run-prevention standpoint in the playoffs, but he turned in huge starts in both the NLCS and World Series.
Now, Flaherty is a free agent, and the Dodgers seem to have their sights set on bigger fish in the starting pitching pond. That could leave Flaherty up for grabs, and the Dodgers’ crosstown rivals may seize their opportunity to pounce.
Recently, Ryan Finkelstein of Just Baseball predicted that Flaherty would sign with the Los Angeles Angels on a five-year, $100 million contract.
“The right-hander’s track record is mixed, as he is only a year removed from pitching to a 4.99 ERA in 2023. But a great contract year split between the Tigers and Dodgers has Flaherty in line for a big payday,” Finkelstein said.
“Finding a team for Flaherty is a bit harder, however, as it is unclear who is willing to bet on him over a longer-term deal. The Angels have been aggressive this offseason and could use an ace. It may not be the best fit for Flaherty to win, but it could be the best place for him to get paid.”
In the regular season, Flaherty had a 3.17 ERA across 28 starts, tossing 162 innings and striking out 194 batters. He’d be a big boost to someone’s rotation if he can replicate that success, and at age 29, he could still have another five-plus years of quality production ahead of him.
The Dodgers would hate to miss out on those successes, especially because Flaherty is a Southern California native. But they seem to be gunning for the true aces of the free-agent class instead.
