Detroit Tigers Sign Bounceback Candidate to Aid Starting Rotation

The Detroit Tigers have signed starting pitcher Jack Flaherty to a one-year contract worth $14 million, per reports.

The Detroit Tigers have signed starting pitcher Jack Flaherty to a one-year contract worth $14 million.

Per Jon Heyman of the New York Post:

Jack Flaherty to Tigers. $14M.

Jack Flaherty to Tigers. $14M.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 15, 2023

Flaherty started his career with the St. Louis Cardinals and was traded to the Baltimore Orioles during the trade deadline in 2023. He struggled once he got to Baltimore and was demoted to the bullpen for the playoff run. He finished 8-9 for the year with a 4.99 ERA.

Despite his struggles, this is a good deal for both sides.

1) Flaherty has a proven track record. He has a lifetime record of 42-34 and a career ERA of 3.75. He won 11 games back in 2019 and went 9-2 back in 2021.

2) He's only 28 years old. As the Tigers look to re-open their window for contention, Flaherty is still a young pitcher. This isn't signing a player with significant tread on the tires.

3) If he can stay healthy, he can provide some stability to the Tigers' rotation. Detroit has tried to build around the young core of Casey Mize, Matt Manning and Tarik Skubal, but the trio hasn't been able to stay on the field together. Flaherty can also help take the place of Eduardo Rodriguez, who signed with the Diamondbacks. 

4) This is a good deal for Flaherty because he gets a chance to make $14 million and gets to re-establish value for a run at a bigger payday next season.

The Tigers finished second in the American League Central a season ago and appear primed to get back to contention.

Follow Fastball on FanNation on social media

Continue to follow our Fastball on FanNation coverage on social media by LIKING us on Facebook and by following us on Twitter @FastballFN.