The Detroit Tigers surprised many baseball fans last season by securing one of the American League Wild Cards and making their postseason debut in a decade. They swept the Houston Astros in the Wild Card series and took the Cleveland Guardians to five games in the ALDS before falling short. This led to speculation among fans about whether Detroit intended to bolster its roster during the offseason to aim for another playoff appearance.
On Sunday, fans received clarity on that front. ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported that the Tigers and starting pitcher Jack Flaherty have come to terms on a two-year contract. The contract is valued at $35 million and includes an opt-out clause after the first season.
BREAKING: Right-hander Jack Flaherty and the Detroit Tigers are in agreement on a two-year, $35 million contract that includes an opt-out after the first season, sources tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 3, 2025
Passan elaborated on the structure of the contract, stating Flaherty will earn $25 million in 2025, with the option to opt-out after that season. Additionally, if Flaherty starts 15 games, the guaranteed salary for 2026 could increase to as high as $20 million.
Jack Flaherty’s deal will pay him $25 million this year, after which he can opt out. The guaranteed salary in 2026 is $10 million, and it can get as high as $20 million if he starts 15 games this season. Flaherty found a lot of success with the Tigers last year and now he’s back.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 3, 2025
Flaherty spent his first six seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals before being traded to the Baltimore Orioles at the 2023 trade deadline. With the Cardinals, he made 118 starts, achieving a record of 41-31 and an ERA of 3.58 with 706 strikeouts. However, he struggled to adapt after the trade, pitching only 35 innings in Baltimore. He joined the Tigers on a one-year contract last offseason and, despite their success in reaching the playoffs, was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers mid-season, where he secured a championship in the 2024 World Series.
Social media reacted enthusiastically to Flaherty’s return to Detroit. Many praised the move as a clever strategy by the Tigers’ management, with opinions ranging from excitement about Flaherty’s successful return to a positive assessment of the team’s overall moves.
Fleeced the Dodgers and got Flaherty back in the end. Scott Harris masterclass. https://t.co/JA1NF9iD6X
— Joe Pallozzi (@JoePallozzi42) February 3, 2025
I love when the whole “trade him cause we’ll just get him back” move actually works https://t.co/IottBvb201
— vivienne ૮ ˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶ ა ≪ (@sunshinevvn) February 3, 2025
The Tigers wind up with Thayron Liranzo, Trey Sweeney, AND Jack Flaherty. Jack Flaherty winds up with a ring and some cash. Win-win. https://t.co/kpRuvKN5Lx
— Sam Lebowitz (@SamLebowitz_) February 3, 2025
That seems super reasonable. Good for Detroit https://t.co/xVGAQSIAdO
— Scott Coleman (@scottcoleman55) February 3, 2025
