LA to Boston: Dodgers Star’s Imminent Departure Could Spark Red Sox Revival
The Los Angeles Dodgers won the World Series in 2024, but that is not stopping them from seeking upgrades. They signed Blake Snell but may indicate a breakup with a hometown player.
Jack Flaherty is from Burbank, California, and grew up rooting for the Dodgers. He got to play a key role in leading the team to a championship in 2024. However, CBS Sports’ R.J. Anderson predicted that the trade deadline acquisition would sign with the Boston Red Sox in free agency.
“Flaherty’s market might be dictated by the downstream effects of where Burnes and Fried sign,” wrote Anderson. “As such, we’re tentatively penciling in the Red Sox doubling-up on top-10 free agents by pairing Bregman and Flaherty.”
The Red Sox are clearly in the market for starting pitchers and Flaherty may be expendable now. The Dodgers needed Flaherty last year with the injuries in their rotation. However, going into next season Tyler Glasnow, Shohei Ohtani, Clayton Kershaw and Yoshinobu Yamamoto are all expected to take the mound. Not to mention the five-year, $182 million deal they gave Snell.
Flaherty will be a consolation prize for teams that do not land Corbin Burnes or Max Fried. He had a 3.17 ERA last season with 194 strikeouts. He was a key player for the Dodgers down the stretch and the postseason.
He did not have the best postseason, but he delivered much-needed great starts in Game 1 of the National League Championship Series and Game 1 of the World Series.
