The Baltimore Orioles face a crucial offseason decision as they aim to bolster their rotation, especially if Corbin Burnes, their standout pitcher from 2024, chooses to sign elsewhere. According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, free-agent right-hander Jack Flaherty could emerge as a viable fallback option for the team.
“Sources indicate that free-agent righty Jack Flaherty is one alternative for the Orioles if they fail to re-sign Corbin Burnes, as expected,” Rosenthal reported. “The Red Sox are also in the mix for Flaherty, having shown interest in him last offseason before he signed with the Detroit Tigers.”
Flaherty, now 29, has had a turbulent stretch in recent years but remains an intriguing option in a thin pitching market. Baltimore previously acquired him at the 2023 trade deadline, though his tenure was disappointing, with a 6.75 ERA across 34 2/3 innings. However, Orioles officials attribute part of his struggles to fatigue, as Flaherty had already pitched 109 2/3 innings before joining the team—an unusually heavy workload for a pitcher recovering from years of injuries.
Flaherty’s appeal extends beyond his potential for a bounce-back. Rosenthal pointed out that teams will not lose a draft pick by signing him, as he was traded midseason from Detroit to the Dodgers, making him ineligible for a qualifying offer. This detail could make Flaherty an attractive option for teams unwilling to sacrifice draft capital.
Burnes Remains the Orioles’ Priority
Despite Flaherty’s availability, the Orioles remain focused on re-signing Burnes, who was instrumental to their success last season. However, Burnes is expected to command a substantial contract, with the San Francisco Giants considered favorites to land him. Baltimore is still prepared to make a competitive offer but may pivot to Flaherty or explore trade options if Burnes signs elsewhere.
Should Flaherty go to another team, the Orioles might target pitchers like Luis Castillo or Dylan Cease via trade. Cease, who is entering his final year of team control, could be a short-term solution similar to Burnes’ situation last offseason. Baltimore has shown a willingness to part with top prospects, as evidenced by last year’s Burnes trade package, which included shortstop Joey Ortiz, left-hander DL Hall, and a draft pick.
Jack Flaherty
Competition for Flaherty
The Orioles aren’t the only team eyeing Flaherty. The Boston Red Sox, who liked him last offseason, are reportedly considering him again. Meanwhile, Flaherty’s preference for playing on the West Coast could open opportunities for teams like the Giants or Dodgers to join the race.
As the offseason pitching market intensifies, the Orioles’ strategy hinges on retaining Burnes or securing a strong alternative like Flaherty. Either way, the team is determined to keep their rotation competitive as they aim to build on last season’s success.
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