Jack Flaherty has only recently arrived in Los Angeles, but the Dodgers’ newest big-name addition has already sparked free agency intrigue.
Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer offered “way-too-early” predictions for the key MLB free agents this offseason, including Flaherty, who he expects will sign with the New York Mets.
“The newest member of the Los Angeles Dodgers isn’t guaranteed to be around for long,” Rymer wrote in the story, which ran Thursday, August 1. “Jack Flaherty is on a one-year, $14 million contract, and his performance this season suggests a higher market value. Something around the Jameson Taillon, Taijuan Walker, and Eduardo Rodriguez range felt right in June, though nine figures are also possible.”
Rymer anticipates the Mets and the 28-year-old Flaherty reaching an agreement on a four-year, $68 million contract. He also mentioned that the Mets were among the many teams interested in Flaherty at the MLB trade deadline.
Jack Flaherty’s Health May Be a Concern
Aside from his trade from the Detroit Tigers to the Dodgers, the most significant news surrounding Flaherty at the trade deadline was what did not happen. Flaherty missed a start in July due to back difficulties, but after two injections in three weeks, he returned to the mound and has a 1.53 ERA in three appearances since then.
“I can’t comment on medical stuff with trades,” Tigers head of baseball operations Scott Harris told reporters in Detroit, according to Rosenthal.
“You’d need to consult the other teams. Jack is healthy. If we didn’t move him, he was scheduled to start for us on Thursday.” This season, Flaherty has made 18 starts for the Tigers, finishing 7-5 with a 2.95 ERA and 133 strikeouts in 106.2 innings. It’s his finest season since his second in the major leagues, in 2019, when he pitched 196.1 innings and had a 2.75 ERA.
The Mets Might Be a Good Fit for Flaherty
The Mets have money coming off the books this offseason, with Jose Quintana, Luis Severino, and Harrison Bader all set to become free agents. Granted, some
That money will most likely be spent on retaining first base slugger Pete Alonso, who will also be available for free agency.
However, no one has ever accused Steve Cohen of being frugal. The Mets’ owner enjoys spending money and bringing in great talent, especially for his pitching staff. Flaherty is just the pitcher he might be looking for.
“That fit could work even better this winter, when the Mets will have Luis Severino and José Quintana eligible for free agency,” Rymer told reporters. “Furthermore, Flaherty’s impressive K/BB ratio should appeal to them. In 2024, their starters will be tied for last in that category.
If the Mets are unable to sign Flaherty, they may pursue Max Fried, a free agent in the near future. His K/BB ratio isn’t as impressive, but he still walks fewer than three per nine innings and has been named an All-Star two of the last three seasons.
However, Rymer predicts Fried will sign a six-year, $170 million contract with the Texas Rangers.
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