Breaking: Mets close in to sign a $68 million mega player in a blockbuster deal.

Breaking: Mets close in to sign a $68 million mega player in a blockbuster deal.

Jack Flaherty, Kevin Kiermaier traded to Dodgers

After just a short flight to Los Angeles, Jack Flaherty is already the talk of free agency rumors for the Dodgers’ newest high-profile addition.

According to Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report, Flaherty will sign with the New York Mets, one of the biggest MLB free agents, according to his “way-too-early” predictions made this offseason.

The news, which was released on Thursday, August 1, stated that Rymer’s tenure as the newest member of the Los Angeles Dodgers isn’t assured. Under his $14 million one-year contract, Jack Flaherty’s performance this season suggests he may earn more money on the open market. Nine figures might also be achievable, but in June, something between Taijuan Walker, Eduardo Rodriguez, and Jameson Taillon felt right.

Rymer believes that a four-year, $68 million contract between the Mets and the 28-year-old Flaherty will be reached. He also mentioned that, during the MLB trade deadline, the Mets were one of many teams interested in Flaherty.

Jack Flaherty’s Condition May Need Attention
The biggest story surrounding Flaherty at the trade deadline, apart from his move from the Detroit Tigers to the Dodgers, was what didn’t happen.

Jack Flaherty trade gives LA Dodgers another starter at MLB deadline

That is, a trade to the New York Yankees, who reportedly had an agreement in place for him, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. According to Rosenthal, the Yankees withdrew from the trade after looking over his medical records, citing lower back issues as the reason.

Flaherty missed a start in July due to back problems, but he returned to the mound and has since made three starts with a 1.53 ERA after getting two injections in three weeks.

According to Rosenthal, Tigers President of Baseball Operations Scott Harris told reporters in Detroit, “I can’t comment on medical stuff with trades.” “You would need to inquire with the other teams. Jack is in good health. He was going to start for us on Thursday if we didn’t move him.

With 18 starts under his belt this season, Flaherty is 7-5 with a 2.95 ERA and 133 strikeouts in 106.2 innings for the Tigers. This is the greatest season he has had since his second big league season in 2019, when he pitched 196.1 innings and had a 2.75 ERA.

Jack Flaherty trade grades: Why Dodgers and Tigers both earn 'A' in  deadline move for starting pitcher - CBSSports.com

Flaherty Might Be a Good Fit for the Mets
Due to the impending free agents Harrison Bader, Luis Severino, and Jose Quintana, the Mets will be receiving some cash this offseason. Naturally, a portion of that cash will probably be used to keep first base slugger Pete Alonso, who is also set to reach free agency.

But no one ever accused Steve Cohen of being frugal. The Mets owner likes to spend and likes to bring in elite talent, particularly for his pitching staff. Flaherty is exactly the type of pitcher he might look for.

“That fit could work even better this winter, when the Mets will have Luis Severino and José Quintana eligible for free agency,” Rymer explained. “Further, Flaherty’s excellent K/BB ratio should appeal to them. In that aspect, their starters are tied for last place in 2024.

The Mets may pursue soon-to-be free agent Max Fried if they are unable to sign Flaherty. Although his K/BB ratio isn’t as impressive, he has been an All-Star in two of the last three seasons and walks fewer than three batters per nine innings.

However, Rymer projected that Fried would sign a six-year, $170 million contract with the Texas Rangers.

 

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