**Flaherty’s Free Agency Market: A Guide to the Top Suitors and Potential Outcomes**
The 2024-25 offseason has been marked by a strong market for starting pitchers, with nearly every notable starter already off the market by January. One exception is right-hander Jack Flaherty, who is reportedly seeking a five-year deal and has been linked to several teams. In this article, we’ll explore Flaherty’s market, including the top suitors and potential outcomes.
**The Market**
Flaherty’s market has been strong, with the Blue Jays, Giants, Cubs, Tigers, and Orioles all linked to the right-hander. However, there are signs that the market for starting pitchers may be cooling down, with the deferred money involved in the recent deal between the Diamondbacks and right-hander Corbyn Burns reportedly reducing the net present value of the contract.
**The Suitors**
The Blue Jays and Giants have been two of the most aggressive teams in pursuit of Flaherty, with both clubs having the financial flexibility to make a major multi-year commitment. The Giants, in particular, may be more focused on offense, with a desire to bring in a big bat to pair with first baseman Pete Alonso.
The Tigers could also be a factor, although President of Baseball Operations Scott Harris has been hesitant to make a major multi-year commitment this winter. The Orioles and Cubs are the other teams that have been linked to Flaherty, with Baltimore seeking to add a top starter to their rotation and the Cubs looking to upgrade their pitching staff.
**The Potential Outcomes**
There are several potential outcomes for Flaherty’s free agency, including:
* A five-year deal with the Blue Jays or Giants
* A multi-year deal with the Tigers, Orioles, or Cubs
* A one-year deal with a team looking to add depth to their rotation
* A decision to wait for the market to develop further before making a move
**FAQs**
Q: What is the current state of the market for starting pitchers?
A: The market for starting pitchers has been strong, with nearly every notable starter already off the market by January.
Q: What is Jack Flaherty seeking in terms of a contract?
A: Flaherty is reportedly seeking a five-year deal.
Q: Which teams have been linked to Flaherty?
A: The Blue Jays, Giants, Cubs, Tigers, and Orioles have all been linked to Flaherty.
Q: Is there a chance that Flaherty’s market may cool down further?
A: Yes, there are signs that the market for starting pitchers may be cooling down, with the deferred money involved in the recent deal between the Diamondbacks and right-hander Corbyn Burns reportedly reducing the net present value of the contract.
**Conclusion**
Flaherty’s free agency is shaping up to be one of the most interesting storylines of the 2024-25 offseason. With several teams linked to the right-hander and a strong market for starting pitchers, it’s likely that Flaherty will land a multi-year deal with one of the teams mentioned above. However, there are always surprises in the world of free agency, and it’s possible that a “mystery team” could emerge as a suitor for the right-hander.
