Will the Blue Jays pivot to this former Dodgers pitcher?
Jack Flaherty is now the top of the class.
With Corbin Burnes now signed, in a deal that shocked everybody, the former St. Louis Cardinals ace finds himself as the top free agent pitcher available.
After spending the first 6.5 seasons of his career with St. Louis, Flaherty was dealt to the Orioles in the latter half of 2023. He split last year between Detroit and the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Flaherty has had success, winning a career-high 13 games last year. His ERA with Detroit was under 3.00. He has also shown durability, starting 28 and 29 games in 2023 and 2024 respectively.
The Blue Jays don't necessarily need an ace, Jose Berrios has earned that distinction after a strong 2024, but Flaherty could slot in as the number three starter - in between Kevin Gausman and Chris Bassitt. That would give the Blue Jays four starting pitchers who have each won at least 13 games once in their career, as well as some stability.
Now, there has not been any mention of the Jays actively pursuing Flaherty, but that's only because all the talk was focused on Burnes, Fried, Hernandez, and Soto.
Now that Flaherty is the top arm available, except the rumours and discussions about him to increase. While he won't command Burnes money, a five-year $100MM is not out of the question.
While nothing will ease fans' pain of whiffing on Burnes, if the Blue Jays can land someone like Flaherty, it may at least stem the tide somewhat.
Overall for his career Flaherty is 55-41 with a 3.63 ERA and 942 strikeouts in 829.2 innings.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 28 | 249 ANSWERS Will the Blue Jays pivot to this former Dodgers pitcher? Should the Blue Jays go after Jack Flaherty? | ||
| yes | 163 | 65.5 % |
| no | 86 | 34.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
