Jack Flaherty returns to Tigers, agreeing to $35 million, 2-year deal, AP source says

DETROIT, MI – APRIL 30: On April 30, 2024, in Detroit, Michigan, Jack Flaherty #9 of the Detroit Tigers pitches against the St. Louis Cardinals in the fifth inning of game one of a doubleheader at Comerica Park. (Image courtesy of Getty Image/Duane Burleson)

DETROIT (AP):According to a source close to the deal who spoke to The Associated Press on Sunday, pitcher Jack Flaherty has agreed to a $35 million, two-year contract with the Detroit Tigers.

Because the deal was contingent on a successful physical examination, the individual spoke on condition of anonymity.

After the 2025 season, Flaherty has the option to opt out and become a free agent once more. He would have collected $25 million in salary and signing bonus from the deal if he had opted out.

Flaherty, a 29-year-old right-hander, was acquired by the Los Angeles Dodgers on July 30 at the trade deadline after going 13-7 with a 3.17 ERA in 28 starts for Detroit the previous season.

Flaherty assisted the team in defeating the New York Yankees in five games during the World Series. He gave up two runs in the sixth inning after pitching five scoreless innings in the first.

In Game 5, the Dodgers recovered for a 7-6 victory and their second title in five years after he gave up four runs over 1 1/3 innings.

With the St. Louis Cardinals, Flaherty made his major league debut in 2017. He had his greatest season in 2019 with an 11-8 record, 2.75 ERA, and a career-high 231 strikeouts in 196 1/3 innings pitched.

The right-hander missed a lot of time due to injuries in 2021 and 2022 after regressing in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, ending with a 4.91 ERA. In 2023, he was dealt to the Baltimore Orioles in a last-minute move.

He enjoyed his greatest season in five years after agreeing to a $14 million, one-year contract with the Tigers. Prior to being dealt to the Dodgers, he had a 2.95 ERA and a 7-5 record. He pitched for Los Angeles, going 6-2 with a 3.58 ERA.

DETROIT, MI – APRIL 30: On April 30, 2024, in Detroit, Michigan, Jack Flaherty #9 of the Detroit Tigers pitches against the St. Louis Cardinals in the fifth inning of game one of a doubleheader at Comerica Park. (Image courtesy of Getty Image/Duane Burleson)