Once seen as the future ace of the St. Louis Cardinals, Jack Flaherty impressed in 2019 with a 2.75 ERA over a career-high 196.1 innings. However, his trajectory took a downturn as injuries and inconsistency derailed his progress. After several challenging seasons, Flaherty found his form again in 2024, posting a solid 3.17 ERA over 162 innings with the Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Dodgers, even earning a World Series ring.
Encouraged by his resurgence, the Tigers re-signed him to a two-year, $35 million deal ($25 million in 2025, with a $10 million player option for 2026). Unfortunately, that decision hasn’t paid off yet. Flaherty has struggled significantly this season, currently holding a 4.44 ERA and a disappointing 2-5 record the worst among Detroit’s starters. His once-effective four-seam fastball, which held opponents to a .245 average in 2024, is now getting hit hard at a .308 clip. He’s also walking more batters, and his velocity has noticeably declined.
In response, the Tigers who sit atop MLB with a 31-17 record have delayed Flaherty’s next start. Originally scheduled to pitch against the high-powered Cardinals lineup, he’ll instead face the less threatening Guardians, as Detroit opts for a bullpen game in the tougher matchup.
With the Minnesota Twins unexpectedly putting pressure on Detroit in the AL Central, the Tigers can’t afford many missteps. If Flaherty’s struggles persist, his role in a potential playoff run could come into question.
