The Price of Ace-Hood: Jack Flaherty’s Free Agency Rumors Point to…
The majority of top-end starting pitchers remain available in free agency, although several of the second-tier starters have signed contracts with new teams.
Jack Flaherty is a unique piece, because this past season between the Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Dodgers, he was an elite arm. Over 28 starts, the right-hander was 13-7 with a 3.17 ERA, 3.48 FIP and 3.51 xERA.
The 29-year-old had an up-and-down postseason with the Dodgers, but proved his value as willing to pitch when needed. Reports indicate that Flaherty could receive a deal longer than some early projections initially had, per Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic.
It’s expected Flaherty will land a contract in the range of four to six years, league sources said, whereas Pivetta seems positioned to net a three-year or four-year deal.
The New York Mets checked in on Flaherty early in the offseason, but they have since handed a multi-year contract to Clay Holmes in hopes he’ll become a starting pitcher. The Mets, who additionally have been connected to Walker Buehler, also signed Frankie Montas.
Flaherty should ultimately receive multiple contract offers in a strong market for starting pitchers that has already seen a few deals above perceived value.
Will Jack Flaherty re-sign with Dodgers?
Because of the signing of Blake Snell, the Dodgers aren’t likely to pursue Flaherty on a deal that fits his current market value.
Flaherty is projected to earn a contract north of $100 million if a team is willing to go into the five- or six-year range. A good comparison for his outlook from a financial standpoint are Kevin Gausman or Robbie Ray, when they signed with their respective clubs.
Gausman signed a five-year, $110 million deal with the Toronto Blue Jays, and it’s a deal like that, where the Dodgers won’t be too keen on taking on for how volatile Flaherty was at times.
There has not been any public indication the Dodgers and Flaherty have discussed a new contract.
The Mets, Baltimore Orioles and Detroit Tigers are among the teams to be connected to Flaherty thus far.
