The Baltimore Orioles have but to make a splash this offseason. That might change quickly.
Based on Will Sammon and Katie Woo of The Athletic, the Orioles and Jack Flaherty are mutually considering a reunion. The 2 sides had been linked earlier within the offseason, with Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reporting that the Orioles considered Flaherty as a backup plan if they might not retain pitcher Corbin Burnes.
There may be some historical past with Flaherty and the Orioles. The Orioles acquired Flaherty on the 2023 commerce deadline, hoping that he would solidify the rotation down the stretch. As a substitute, Flaherty struggled in Baltimore, posting a 6.75 ERA and a 1.673 WHIP in his 34.2 innings, hanging out 42 batters with 12 walks. The Orioles ultimately pulled Flaherty from the rotation as they regarded to carry on to a playoff berth.
Flaherty signed a one-year, $14 million contract with the Tigers for 2024 to rebuild his worth. He was in a position to do precisely that, posting a 3.17 ERA and a 1.068 WHIP in his 162 innings between the Tigers and Dodgers, hanging out 194 batters with 38 walks. Flaherty gained a World Sequence ring after being traded to the Dodgers and hit the open market in the hunt for a extra profitable deal.
The Orioles must make a transfer to maintain up within the AL East. Whereas the Yankees misplaced outfielder Juan Soto, subsequent strikes might have strengthened New York. The Orioles signed pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano, catcher Gary Sanchez and outfielder Tyler O’Neill, however none of these are more likely to change the stability of the division.
Flaherty could be a match because the Orioles want a top-of-the-rotation arm. Zach Eflin and Grayson Rodriguez are anticipated to be the highest two starters in Baltimore because the Orioles rotation could possibly be a weak spot. If he can construct on his 2024 efficiency, Flaherty could be the pitcher the Orioles want.