MLB Rumors: 3 Landing Spots For Free Agent Jack Flaherty


According to Tim Kelly of Bleacher Report, three teams are prime landing spots for free-agent pitcher Jack Flaherty: the San Diego Padres, Los Angeles Angels, and Chicago Cubs. 

Flaherty, who revitalized his career in 2024 with a 3.17 ERA over 162 innings split between the Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Dodgers, enters free agency as a top-tier option for teams looking to enhance their rotations. 

At 29 years old and without the burden of a qualifying offer, Flaherty offers both youth and upside, making him one of the most intriguing arms available this offseason.

The Padres emerge as a strong candidate, especially if they move forward with the rumored trade of Dylan Cease. 

Adding Flaherty to a rotation that already includes Yu Darvish and Michael King could position San Diego as a contender in the competitive NL West. 

Kelly notes, “Pairing Flaherty with their current staff could keep the Padres in the mix for another postseason run.” 

For the Angels, a return to Flaherty’s Los Angeles roots could provide stability to a rotation led by José Soriano and Tyler Anderson. With offseason additions like Kyle Hendricks and Yusei Kikuchi, manager Ron Washington would benefit from a reliable starter to help work through a season filled with a lot of injury risks.

In Chicago, Flaherty would bring a veteran presence to a rotation featuring Shota Imanaga and Justin Steele, further strengthening a team that has made bold moves this offseason. 

After trading for Kyle Tucker and signing Matthew Boyd, the Cubs appear ready to contend in the wide-open NL Central. 

Kelly writes, “Adding Flaherty would give the Cubs a lot of buzz heading into a season they hope will send them to the playoffs for the first time since 2020.” 

Whether it’s the allure of California or the opportunity to join an ascending Cubs squad, Flaherty’s decision will be very impactful.

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