The Toronto Blue Jays missed out on signing superstar pitcher Corbin Burnes this offseason, with the Arizona Diamondbacks ultimately securing the ace with a six-year, $210 million contract. However, the Blue Jays are not without options and are still in the market for a top-tier pitcher to bolster their rotation ahead of the 2024 season. Despite Burnes slipping through their grasp, Toronto could pivot and pursue another high-upside talent to lead their pitching staff next year.
One potential target is Jack Flaherty, who remains available as a free agent. The reigning 2024 World Series champion has shown ace-caliber qualities, particularly in his time with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Flaherty played a pivotal role in the Dodgers’ rotation last season, stepping up after several injuries depleted their staff. His experience and proven ability could make him an attractive addition for any team in need of a reliable, high-performance pitcher.
Flaherty’s 2024 season was impressive. He started the year with the Detroit Tigers, where he posted a 2.95 ERA and struck out 133 batters across 18 starts. His strong first-half performance earned him a mid-season trade to the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he continued to excel, finishing the year with a 6-2 record and a 3.58 ERA. His cumulative stats from both teams included a 3.17 ERA, 194 strikeouts, and notable advanced metrics, making him an appealing option for teams looking to strengthen their rotation.
In terms of advanced pitching stats, Flaherty excelled in several key areas. His whiff rate of 32.1 percent placed him in the 91st percentile, while his strikeout rate of 29.9 percent ranked in the 90th percentile. Additionally, his walk rate was just 5.9 percent, which put him in the 83rd percentile. These numbers highlight his exceptional effectiveness on the mound, making him a reliable and high-quality arm for any team looking to compete at the highest levels.
The Blue Jays are well-positioned to make a strong play for Flaherty, especially given their financial flexibility. With a projected payroll for 2025 hovering around $200 million, Toronto has the capacity to offer Flaherty a lucrative contract. Even after making significant financial commitments, including a revamped contract offer for superstar Vladimir Guerrero Jr. at over $30 million per year, the Blue Jays still have the room to add another key piece to their roster.
Flaherty’s potential contract could fall in the range of $21 million to $24 million per year, based on projections from last fall. The Blue Jays are in a position to offer him the higher end of that range without straining their financial flexibility. By doing so, they could not only secure Flaherty as a front-line starter but also leave room to further enhance their rotation or address other needs within the team.
Acquiring Flaherty would be a significant move for the Blue Jays, both in terms of his talent and his leadership qualities. His proven track record as a reliable and effective starter, combined with his strong performance in high-pressure situations, would make him an ideal addition to a team with playoff aspirations. If Toronto can secure Flaherty’s services, they could be well-positioned to contend for a title in 2024 and beyond.