The Detroit Tigers are watching how the Kansas City Royals make move after move in the AL Central and don’t want to be left behind.
Initially thought to be among the very worst teams in the league, both the Royals and Tigers are finally signing and spending like they actually want to compete.
This week, the Tigers announced a potentially solid signing to bolster their rotation: Jack Flaherty.
MLB insider Jon Morosi broke down what the move means for Detroit via MLB Network.
The Tigers continue to add to their rotation @jonmorosi details Detroit’s reported signing of Jack Flaherty as they look to contend in the AL Central. #MLBNHotStove pic.twitter.com/n6lkAgUvsy
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) December 15, 2023
“The Tigers believe they can compete in the American League Central in 2024. We know that they got some young, talented starters, and by adding Flaherty and (Kenta) Maeda, I think they are adding some levels of insurance,” Morosi said.
MLB Network then showed a chart with the Tigers’ rotation options for 2024.
They have young starters Casey Mize, Matt Manning, Tarik Skubal, Reece Olson, Joey Wentz, and Alex Faedo, plus the veteran Maeda and Flaherty, who is more of a reclamation project.
After some really strong seasons to open his career in the late-2010s, Flaherty’s career ERA is a very solid 3.75.
He used to be an ace for the St. Louis Cardinals.
However, shoulder issues have plagued him in the last couple of seasons and limited his performance.
Between the Cards and the Baltimore Orioles, Flaherty posted a 4.99 ERA and a 1.58 WHIP in 144.1 frames.
That’s far from ideal, but he is still 28 years old.
If he is fully healthy, there is a chance Flaherty returns a sub-4.00 ERA and eats innings for the Tigers.
Nobody knows with certainty how healthy his right arm is, only himself.
The success or failure of this one-year, $14 million pact will hinge on that.
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