The Los Angeles Dodgers are acquiring star right-handed pitcher Jack Flaherty in a blockbuster trade with the Detroit Tigers, per ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Going back to Detroit is catcher/first baseman Thayron Liranzo and shortstop Trey Sweeney
Flaherty, 28, winds up being the best pitcher traded at this year’s deadline. He has a 2.95 ERA across 18 starts this season, and an incredible 133 strikeouts to just 19 walks.
The Dodgers didn’t have to part with any of their top prospects to land the best pitcher moved at the deadline. Flaherty signed a one-year, $14 million deal with the Tigers this past offseason, and is set to hit free agency in a couple months.
Flaherty instantly solidifies the Dodgers’ rotation. Amid all the injuries, the Dodgers were able to remain afloat, and entered Tuesday with a 6.5 game lead over the San Diego Padres in the National League West.
Now, the Dodgers add Flaherty to a rotation that already got Tyler Glasnow and Clayton Kershaw back last week. Additionally, Yoshinobu Yamamoto is expected to return before the end of the season.
Dodgers Trade Deadline Analysis
Andrew Friedman, Brandon Gomes and the Dodgers aced the 2024 trade deadline. The Dodgers filled all their needs, acquired the best starting pitcher moved, and didn’t have to part with any of their top prospects.
Flaherty comes to Los Angeles for significantly less than the Houston Astros gave up for Yusei Kikuchi and the Baltimore Orioles gave up for Trevor Rogers. While Rogers is under a few more years of team control, Kikuchi, like Flaherty, is on an expiring contract.
