After losing Corbin Burnes to the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday, the Baltimore Orioles are once again faced with the difficult task of strengthening their pitching rotation. Burnes, the 2021 NL Cy Young Award winner, would have been a major asset to the Orioles, and his departure leaves a significant hole in their starting staff. While the Orioles are looking to fill that void, they have set their sights on several options, including a potential reunion with Jack Flaherty, the former Orioles pitcher who was with the team for part of the 2023 season. According to reports from The Athletic’s Will Sammon and Katie Woo, the Orioles have inquired about Flaherty, signaling they could target him as a backup plan if they miss out on other top pitching options.
Flaherty’s Brief Stint with the Orioles
Flaherty’s time in Baltimore last season was somewhat unremarkable, as he posted a 6.75 ERA with 42 strikeouts in nine appearances (seven of which were starts). While his performance wasn’t stellar, he did show flashes of his former potential during his brief tenure with the team. Flaherty had been traded from the St. Louis Cardinals to the Orioles before the 2023 trade deadline, and while he didn’t make an immediate impact, his time with the Orioles did provide a glimpse into the pitcher he could still be.
In the past, Flaherty was a dynamic starter with a significant upside. Prior to the 2023 trade, he had been a mainstay in the Cardinals rotation and a key contributor to their staff, though injuries and inconsistency had led to a down season. In 2023, he had a 4.95 ERA with St. Louis before being dealt to the Orioles, and while he struggled with his new team, the potential for a bounce-back campaign was evident.
Flaherty’s Success with the Dodgers
After being traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers, Flaherty found a resurgence in his performance, finishing the season with a 3.58 ERA in 10 appearances (including seven starts) for the Dodgers. His strikeout numbers were also solid, with 62 strikeouts in 72 innings and an overall improvement in his command. The move to the Dodgers’ organization was a welcome change for Flaherty, as the team has been known for its ability to develop pitchers, especially those in need of a fresh start. His improved performance with the Dodgers highlighted what he could bring to the table if given a full season of healthy starts in 2024.
The Orioles clearly took notice of Flaherty’s solid run with Los Angeles, which has prompted them to express interest in bringing him back. While his stint in Baltimore was underwhelming, the team’s front office sees potential in him, particularly given the Orioles’ need for more proven pitchers after missing out on top options like Burnes.
Flaherty’s Market and Potential Suitors
As free-agent pitching options continue to dwindle, the Orioles are far from the only team with an eye on Flaherty. Other teams are also reportedly pursuing him to fill out their rotations, including the Detroit Tigers, Chicago Cubs, San Francisco Giants, Toronto Blue Jays, Texas Rangers, and San Diego Padres. These teams are all looking to improve their starting pitching, and Flaherty could be a suitable option for many of them.
The San Francisco Giants are among the teams with the most interest in Flaherty, according to reports from Sports Illustrated’s Patrick McAvoy. Just Baseball’s Ryan Finkelstein also predicted that Flaherty would sign with the Giants, suggesting the team could offer him a lucrative five-year, $100 million contract. This would be a significant commitment for Flaherty, considering his recent injury history and inconsistent performances in recent seasons. However, it is also a reflection of the demand for established starting pitchers, as teams look for reliable arms to bolster their rotations.
The Giants’ interest in Flaherty makes sense, as they are in the midst of rebuilding and looking to add both young and experienced players to their roster. Their front office has been aggressive in the past, willing to commit to long-term deals for players who could be part of their future core. If they can lock up Flaherty for the long term, he could become a key piece of their rotation alongside young pitchers like Logan Webb.
Other suitors, such as the Blue Jays, Tigers, and Rangers, are all in similar positions, seeking to strengthen their pitching staffs for a postseason run in 2025. These teams have shown interest in various free-agent pitchers and are likely weighing their options as the offseason progresses. The Orioles will have to contend with these competitors if they hope to bring Flaherty back for another season.
The Negotiation Challenges
While Flaherty has expressed interest in securing a long-term contract, this could make things tricky for some teams, including the Orioles. Flaherty is coming off a solid second half of the season with the Dodgers, and he will likely be looking for a deal that reflects his potential as a long-term asset. For teams like the Orioles, who have a mix of established stars and young talent, committing to a player like Flaherty for several years could be a tough decision.
One challenge for the Orioles is that they already have a somewhat crowded pitching rotation. Kyle Gibson, Grayson Rodriguez, Dean Kremer, and Jack Flaherty (if he were to return) could all be in the mix, but there are also other pitchers on the roster who are vying for a spot. With the Orioles having a strong bullpen and solid offensive pieces, securing a top starter could be the missing ingredient they need to return to the playoffs and contend for a championship.
However, locking down Flaherty for multiple years could also be seen as a move to provide the team with stability at the top of their rotation, particularly if they are able to land one more star pitcher. Adding Flaherty could help the Orioles balance the development of their young arms with the experience and leadership that a seasoned pitcher like Flaherty could provide.
Conclusion: Will Flaherty Return to Baltimore?
The Baltimore Orioles’ pursuit of Jack Flaherty seems like a logical next step, particularly after their missed opportunity with Corbin Burnes. Flaherty’s recent success with the Dodgers has made him an appealing option, and while the Orioles face competition from other teams, they still have a chance to bring him back into the fold.
With several teams likely vying for Flaherty’s services, the question will come down to contract length and team fit. Flaherty’s preference for a long-term deal could be a deciding factor in where he lands, and the Orioles will need to weigh their options carefully. Should they be able to offer him a competitive deal, Flaherty could very well find a home in Baltimore once again. The Orioles are in need of proven pitchers to help push them back into playoff contention, and Flaherty’s experience could be the key to completing their rotation in 2025.
