The future of Jack Flaherty in Los Angeles appears to be uncertain, with increasing speculation that his time with the Dodgers may already be coming to a close. After an up-and-down stint with the Dodgers in 2023, Flaherty showed signs of improvement in 2024, proving that his career is far from over. However, with the starting pitching market shrinking and other teams needing an upgrade to their rotation, it seems increasingly likely that Flaherty might be heading elsewhere in 2025.
Flaherty, who spent much of his career with the St. Louis Cardinals, was acquired by the Dodgers ahead of the 2023 trade deadline in a bid to bolster their pitching staff. He had struggled earlier in the season with the Cardinals, and his time in Los Angeles started similarly, as he posted a 6.75 ERA in nine appearances for the Dodgers. Despite this, the team stuck with him, hoping that his stuff and pedigree would eventually translate into production. The Dodgers entered the postseason with high expectations for Flaherty, though his postseason performances fell short of the mark. He posted a 7.35 ERA across his two playoff starts, and although he showed flashes of his former self, he struggled to maintain consistency on the biggest stage.
Despite the rough postseason showing, Flaherty’s 2024 season could ultimately determine his future. He bounced back in the regular season, posting a 3.17 ERA, and tallied 194 strikeouts in 162 innings. His performances in 2024 provided a solid case for a lucrative contract, potentially making him one of the most coveted free agents in the pitching market.
With the starting pitching market drying up—as aces like Corbin Burnes and Blake Snell have already secured significant contracts elsewhere—the competition for Flaherty is heating up. Teams looking to strengthen their pitching rotations may see Flaherty as an affordable yet high-upside addition. MLB Trade Rumors has projected Flaherty to sign a five-year, $115 million contract, signaling his potential for a big payday as one of the top remaining free-agent pitchers.
Among the teams expressing interest in Flaherty, the Baltimore Orioles stand out as a strong suitor. The Orioles were previously linked to Flaherty during the 2023 trade deadline, and it now appears that their pursuit of him could intensify. The team recently lost its 2024 ace, Corbin Burnes, to free agency, and now the Orioles find themselves in search of a more established starter to solidify their rotation. The Orioles could view Flaherty as the ideal addition to fill that gap, especially given his recent success.
Flaherty’s Fit with the Orioles
There’s no denying that Flaherty would bring value to a team like the Orioles. Despite his struggles in 2023 with Baltimore, Flaherty’s 2024 resurgence proves that he still has plenty to offer at the major league level. He showed an ability to miss bats, posting nearly 200 strikeouts in 2024 while maintaining solid control and keeping his ERA in a respectable range. As the Orioles look to remain competitive, adding a pitcher of Flaherty’s caliber would give them a chance to stabilize their starting rotation, particularly with the postseason aspirations for 2025.
The Orioles are already a playoff-contending team with one of the most promising young rosters in MLB. However, their pitching rotation remains one of their biggest weaknesses. After Zach Eflin and Grayson Rodriguez, the Orioles have few guarantees in their starting rotation, and Tomoyuki Sugano, who they signed from Japan, has yet to prove himself in MLB competition.
With their rotation potentially up for grabs after Eflin and Rodriguez, the Orioles could offer Flaherty an opportunity to not only start but possibly take on a prominent role in the rotation. The Orioles are in a position where they could give Flaherty a chance to thrive in a pressure-free environment, unlike the intense spotlight he faced with the Dodgers. Baltimore has a young and dynamic team that could benefit from a veteran like Flaherty, particularly in an increasingly tough AL East division.
Moreover, if Flaherty continues the trajectory he established in 2024, he could cement himself as a top starter in the Orioles’ postseason rotation. Given the state of the AL East and the competition for playoff spots, a strong top-of-the-rotation presence is critical. Flaherty, despite his inconsistency in the past, has shown that he can perform when healthy and at his best.
Flaherty’s Hometown Connection
There’s also an emotional aspect to Flaherty potentially joining the Orioles. Raised in Baltimore, Flaherty has roots in the area and would likely relish the chance to pitch for his hometown team. Not only would this be a career milestone for the pitcher, but it could also add a layer of motivation to his game, playing in front of family and friends in the city where he grew up.
Additionally, Flaherty’s journey with the Orioles could provide a redemption arc after his lackluster stint with the team in 2023. Given the right circumstances, Flaherty might feel that this is the best place for him to reignite his career and prove that his 2024 success wasn’t a fluke. Baltimore’s young, talented roster may give him the support needed to take the next step in his career.
The Competition for Flaherty
While the Orioles are among the favorites to land Flaherty, other teams may still make a push for his services. The Dodgers, who have long been known for their aggressive approach to adding pitching talent, may not yet be ready to say goodbye to Flaherty. However, with their financial flexibility stretched thin and a deeper pool of starting pitching already in place, the Dodgers may not have the room to keep Flaherty, especially given the potential for him to command a large contract.
Other potential suitors may include teams like the New York Yankees, who are always looking for pitching depth, or teams like the Texas Rangers and Miami Marlins, who are actively looking to improve their rotations. As the market for quality starting pitching continues to shrink, teams will likely have to make difficult decisions, and Flaherty will be one of the key players to watch as negotiations unfold.
Conclusion: A New Beginning for Flaherty?
The future of Jack Flaherty with the Los Angeles Dodgers appears uncertain, with increasing speculation that he will leave the team in favor of a more significant opportunity. As teams like the Baltimore Orioles position themselves as contenders, the addition of Flaherty would provide a much-needed upgrade to their rotation and further solidify their postseason hopes. Flaherty’s ability to bounce back in 2024 and demonstrate that he still has the tools to be an effective pitcher gives him substantial value in a shrinking market. For the Orioles, signing Flaherty could be a chance to bring a local talent back home, providing both the team and the pitcher with a fresh start as they look to take the next step toward playoff success.
