The Detroit Tigers have made a splash in the offseason by securing their pitching staff with the return of right-handed ace Jack Flaherty. The 29-year-old has agreed to a two-year, $35 million contract, which signals the team’s commitment to bolstering their roster for the upcoming seasons. This agreement was confirmed by sources familiar with the deal on Sunday, with details subject to Flaherty passing his physical examination.
Flaherty, a fan favorite in Detroit after his impressive stint in the 2024 season, was instrumental in the Tigers’ rotation, offering consistency and a strong presence on the mound. His return has sparked excitement among Tigers fans eager to see what the future holds with Flaherty as a key part of the team’s pitching staff. The new contract will keep Flaherty in Detroit through the 2026 season, with an opt-out clause after the first year, allowing him to test free agency if he performs at a high level.
Having been originally acquired by Detroit on a one-year, $14 million deal in 2024, Flaherty had a career resurgence last season. He posted a 7-5 record with a 2.95 ERA, his best performance in five years. Flaherty’s dominance on the mound, coupled with his experience, was a driving factor behind the Tigers’ success last year, and fans are thrilled to see him return for another round.
In addition to his stellar regular-season performance, Flaherty played a crucial role in the Dodgers’ World Series victory over the New York Yankees in 2024. After being traded to Los Angeles at the July 30 deadline, Flaherty stepped up when it mattered most. He pitched five scoreless innings in the opener and was a key contributor throughout the postseason. His experience in high-pressure situations makes him a valuable asset for Detroit in both regular-season and playoff scenarios.
The 2024 postseason also highlighted Flaherty’s resilience. Despite a tough Game 5 in which he allowed four runs over 1 1/3 innings, Flaherty was part of the Dodgers’ dramatic comeback to win the series. His ability to perform in pivotal moments is one of the qualities that made him an appealing target for the Tigers.
Flaherty’s career path has been marked by ups and downs, from his breakout season in 2019 with the St. Louis Cardinals to a string of injuries that hindered his performance in 2021 and 2022. However, his performance in 2024 shows that he is back to his best and ready to continue making an impact. The Tigers are banking on Flaherty’s experience and form to elevate their rotation and push for a stronger position in the American League.
Before his 2024 resurgence, Flaherty had an 11-8 record in 2019, boasting a career-high 2.75 ERA and a remarkable 231 strikeouts. His performance in that season earned him recognition as one of the league’s top young pitchers. The pandemic-shortened 2020 season and injuries in subsequent years derailed his momentum, but his bounce-back year in 2024 proves his resilience and ability to return to elite form.
With Flaherty now locked in, the Tigers are positioning themselves as serious contenders in the American League. The addition of a proven ace like Flaherty provides a major boost to a pitching staff that already has promising talent, and his leadership will help guide the younger arms in the rotation.
Flaherty’s return is also significant for the Detroit fanbase, as he has become a beloved figure in the city. His strong work ethic, community involvement, and passion for the game have earned him the respect of both teammates and fans. Tigers supporters are eager to see what Flaherty can accomplish with the team in the upcoming seasons, especially as they aim to make a deeper postseason run.
The Tigers are clearly committed to making a push for the playoffs, and Flaherty’s re-signing is just one part of the larger puzzle. With the roster continuing to evolve, there’s hope that Detroit will be able to compete with the best teams in the league, and Flaherty’s presence will be a cornerstone of that effort.
In terms of his new deal, Flaherty’s opt-out clause after the 2025 season offers him flexibility. If he continues his strong performance, he can test free agency for a potentially more lucrative deal. For now, Flaherty will focus on continuing his excellent pitching and helping the Tigers achieve their goals for the upcoming seasons.
Overall, Flaherty’s return to the Tigers is a positive development for the franchise, the fans, and the player himself. With a proven track record, a history of success in big games, and a renewed sense of confidence, Flaherty is primed to make a lasting impact on the Tigers’ pitching staff and their championship aspirations.