Jack Flaherty a Potential Fit for Braves After Dodgers Move On
Jack Flaherty played a pivotal role in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ 2024 World Series victory, providing stability to a pitching rotation plagued by injuries. However, with Flaherty now a free agent, the Dodgers opted to bolster their rotation by signing Roki Sasaki and Blake Snell. As a result, the 29-year-old right-hander finds himself searching for a new home, and his rumored $100 million deal may be challenging to secure.
Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report identified the Atlanta Braves as a potential landing spot for Flaherty. He noted the Braves’ unusually quiet offseason following moves like trading Jorge Soler’s contract and declining Travis d’Arnaud’s 2025 club option.
Braves in Need of Pitching Reinforcements
Atlanta’s payroll is nearing $200 million, leaving limited financial flexibility. However, Miller suggests that signing Flaherty to a short-term or mid-tier contract could serve as the Braves’ major offseason acquisition.
“Getting Jack Flaherty on a very short-term contract might be their huge move,” Miller wrote, “but re-signing Max Fried or signing Willy Adames always felt like airy fantasies.”
The Braves face the daunting task of replacing key contributors Charlie Morton and Max Fried, whose productivity has been critical to the team’s recent success. While Flaherty doesn’t match Fried’s elite level, he offers more value than Morton at this stage of their careers.
Flaherty’s Appeal to Atlanta
Adding Flaherty could help the Braves address their pitching needs, even if it’s on a short-term or moderate four-year deal worth approximately $100 million. While not an ace, Flaherty provides a solid middle-of-the-rotation arm with postseason experience, which is critical for a team with championship aspirations.
If Flaherty can replicate his past success and stay healthy, he could be a cost-effective solution for Atlanta. His presence would lessen the blow of losing Fried while providing stability to a rotation that still boasts talented young arms.
Braves’ Path Forward
As the offseason progresses, the Braves remain under pressure to make at least one impactful move. Flaherty represents a realistic and strategic option that fits within their budget constraints while addressing a key area of need. Though signing him might not be as flashy as re-signing Fried or acquiring a superstar, it would signal the Braves’ commitment to maintaining their competitive edge.
In the end, adding Flaherty on a four-year deal could be the pragmatic solution Atlanta needs to stay in the hunt for another deep postseason run.
