The Tigers continue building their roster through measured free agent moves, adding Gleyber Torres, Alex Cobb, and Tommy Kahnle on one-year deals. But Detroit’s looking for something bigger to separate themselves in a wide-open AL Central.
They’ve got their eyes on Jack Flaherty, according to R.J. Anderson of CBS Sports. It’s a connection that makes sense – Detroit needs rotation depth, and Flaherty’s coming off a solid year split between Detroit and Los Angeles.
“Flaherty would be a sensible addition given the uncertainty in Detroit’s rotation,” Anderson writes. “Alex Cobb missed most of last season; Casey Mize has had his share of injuries; and the Tigers will presumably have Jackson Jobe on an innings restriction of sorts.”
The Tigers rotation could use the stability. Flaherty’s shown what he can do when he’s right – he put up a 3.17 ERA across 28 starts last season, striking out 194 batters while compiling a 13-7 record and 3.1 WAR. His World Series Game 1 gem against the Yankees highlighted just how effective he can be in big moments.
That’s where Detroit’s playoff aspirations come in. After last year’s surprising run toward October, they’re not looking to take a step back. The AL Central’s there for the taking, and while they’ve been connected to Alex Bregman trade talks, adding a proven starter like Flaherty could be just as impactful.
The 29-year-old’s already familiar with Detroit after starting 2024 there on a $14 million deal before his deadline move to the Dodgers. Now that he’s helped LA secure thier second title in five years, he’s looking for his next opportunity.
Detroit’s shown they’re willing to spend strategically this winter. The question is whether they see Flaherty as the kind of impact arm worth making a bigger investment in.
