Reports: Tigers, RHP Jack Flaherty agree to one-year, $14M deal

Field Level Media|published: Thu 14th December, 21:11 2023

Oct 8, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Jack Flaherty (15) pitches during the fifth inning against the Texas Rangers during game two of the ALDS for the 2023 MLB playoffs at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. credits: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

The Detroit Tigers agreed to a one-year, $14 million deal with right-hander Jack Flaherty, according to multiple reports Thursday.

According to ESPN, the deal can be worth up to $15 million if Flaherty reaches all of his start bonuses.

Flaherty, 28, made 20 starts with the St. Louis Cardinals last season before being dealt to the Baltimore Orioles, who moved him into the bullpen for the playoffs. He finished the regular season 8-9 with a 4.99 ERA in 29 games (27 starts), striking out 148 in 144 1/3 innings.

A first-round pick by the Cardinals in 2014, he spent the first six-plus seasons of his career with St. Louis, compiling a 41-31 mark with a 3.58 ERA in 122 games (118 starts).

Flaherty enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2019, going 11-8 with a 2.75 ERA in 33 starts and finishing fourth in National League Cy Young Award voting. But he has been unable to recapture that form, going 23-15 with a 4.42 ERA in the last four seasons combined.

Flaherty is 42-34 with a 3.75 ERA in 131 career games (125 starts), striking out 748 in 667 2/3 innings.

The Tigers, who signed right-hander Kenta Maeda this offseason, are hoping the seven-year veteran can help the organization have a winning season for the first time since 2016.

—Field Level Media