Oct 30, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Jack Flaherty (0) pitches during the first inning against the New York Yankees in game four of the 2024 MLB World Series at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

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Detroit Tigers Sign Jack Flaherty to Two-Year, $35 Million Deal

Traded in July, back in February !

The Detroit Tigers have made a significant addition to their starting rotation by signing right-hander Jack Flaherty to a two-year, $35 million contract, sources confirmed to ESPN.

The deal, pending a physical, includes an opt-out clause after the first year, during which Jack Flaherty will earn $25 million. The second year guarantees him $10 million, with incentives that could push it to $20 million if he starts at least 15 games.

This signing marks a return to Detroit for Jack Flaherty, who revitalized his career with the Tigers last season before being traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers at the deadline.

His performance in 2024 justified a substantial salary increase, ranking him among the top 10 highest-paid starting pitchers for the upcoming 2025 season.

Flaherty’s Resurgence in 2024

Flaherty’s stint with the Tigers in the first half of 2024 was a turning point in his career. In 18 starts, he posted an impressive 2.95 ERA, coupled with a nearly 7-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Recognizing his value, the Dodgers acquired him just minutes before the trade deadline, looking to bolster their pitching depth for a World Series run.

With Los Angeles, Flaherty continued to prove his worth, delivering crucial postseason innings as the Dodgers captured the championship. His ability to perform under pressure earned him recognition across the league, solidifying his reputation as a dependable starter on the biggest stage.

Across both teams in 2024, Flaherty finished the season with a 13-7 record, a 3.17 ERA over 162 innings, 194 strikeouts, and just 38 walks—a remarkable turnaround from previous seasons plagued by injuries and inconsistency.

A Major Boost for the Tigers’ Rotation

By bringing Jack Flaherty back, the Tigers are making a clear statement about their ambitions for the 2025 MLB season. He joins a rotation that already features:

• Tarik Skubal, the reigning American League Cy Young winner

• Reese Olson and Casey Mize, two promising right-handers

• Alex Cobb, signed earlier this offseason on a one-year, $15 million deal

Additionally, the Tigers have young talents like Matt Manning, Keider Montero, and top prospect Jackson Jobe, further strengthening their pitching depth.

With this well-rounded rotation, Detroit could emerge as a serious contender in 2025, positioning itself for a deep playoff run.

Jack Flaherty’s Bet on Himself

Flaherty’s decision to return to Detroit comes after a slow-developing free agency market. While he didn’t land the long-term deal he may have hoped for, his two-year contract with an opt-out offers flexibility. If he continues his strong performance in 2025, he could re-enter free agency next winter and secure an even bigger payday.

This deal also follows a trend of short-term contracts for free-agent pitchers, similar to past deals for Jordan Montgomery and Carlos Rodón. However, Flaherty’s contract structure provides security while maintaining upside, making it a win-win situation for both him and the Tigers.

Photo Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Detroit Tigers

Jack Flaherty

Charles Taudin

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Global Editorial Chief of The Playoffs, I created The Free Agent, which became The Playoffs FR, in 2020 during the pandemic. A longtime fan of the four major American sports, I now oversee the editorial strategy and social media for all versions of The Playoffs. I still occasionally write about sports I’m particularly passionate about, such as the NFL or MLB. If there’s one thing you should remember: Eli Manning is the true GOAT for beating Tom Brady twice.