The Detroit Tigers sign right-handed starter Jack Flaherty to a 2 year $35 million deal. After several years of struggling with numerous injuries Flaherty returned to his 2019 form where he finished 4th in Cy Young voting. Flaherty finished 2024 at 13-7 with a 3.17 ERA.

Flaherty was a highly sought after arm at the deadline, and on July 30th he was sent to the LA Dodgers in exchange for eventual everyday shortstop Trey Sweeney, and Thayron Liranzo, who is the Tiger’s current #5 prospect. Flaherty would go on to win a World Series with The Dodgers.

For much of the offseason there didn’t seem to be much communication between the two parties regarding a return. But when Flaherty expressed interest in returning on “Foul Territory Show” a reunion seemed imminent.

Flaherty will take over the role of the #2 started behind 2024 Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal. The same role he held down last season. Flaherty joins an improved pitching staff that will now include an innings eater in Alex Cobb and rookie phenom Jackson Jobe.

The Tigers could have an incredible 6-man rotation in 2025:

1. Tarik Skubal (LHP)
2. Jack Flaherty (RHP)
3. Reese Olson (RHP)
4. Alex Cobb (RHP)
5. Casey Mize (RHP)
6. Jackson Jobe (RHP)pic.twitter.com/p3YtALsGld

— Tobey Schulman (@tschulmanreport) February 3, 2025

Flaherty hopes to duplicate his performance from last year, where he managed to dominate the strike zone, and induce weak contact and swing and misses, with his elite breaking ball. Flaherty finished the season in the 90th percentile of whiff, and K rate.

Flaherty will make $25 million in 2025. He has a $10 million player option, that will increase to $20 million, assuming he makes 15 starts in 2026. If upcoming season looks anything like his 2024, he may elect to hit the open market again and seek out a long term deal. Don’t count the Tigers out on signing Alex Bregman. Buster Olney has reported that Detroit is still one of the teams pursuing him. Stay tuned to FFSN for breaking news!!