The Baltimore Orioles suffered a massive blow on December 31. Corbin Burnes signed an agreement with the Arizona Diamondbacks. This move emphasized the Orioles’ urgent need to find a potential pitcher for their lineup. As the search for Burnes’ replacement intensifies, speculation grows regarding the possibility of the team pursuing Jack Flaherty.

While playing for the Orioles, Corbin Burnes made 32 starts and a 2.92 ERA with a good 15-9 record and 181 strikeouts in the 194.1 innings. His performance was crucial to the team’s success, but they failed to re-sign him during his free agency. As they look to strengthen their pitching staff, a reunion with Jack Flaherty could be a strong possibility for the Orioles. Don’t you think?

Baltimore Orioles keen to make a reunion with the $80M free agent

Corbin Burnes’ time at Baltimore was undoubtedly precious. His performance was nothing short of exemplary as he finished fifth in the AL Cy Young race and made it into the All-Star team fourth time consecutively. Post his 2024 season, Burnes became a free agent. But the surprise hit when the Arizona Diamondbacks signed him at a $210 million deal for 6 years. Obviously, this departure created a massive gap in the Orioles’ pitching options, prompting the team to search for a replacement. According to league sources, Jack Flaherty is on their list of choices.

Flaherty is seeking a long-term contract, reportedly for at least 5 years, which may not align with the preferences of many clubs. Well, with his record 3.17 ERA and 194 strikeouts in 162 games, this wish seems justified. He has made a comeback in the offseason. And that’s why, even though his 2023 stint with Baltimore did not go well, both parties could presumably look for a reunion. But there’s a minor roadblock. Despite the mutual interest, the Detroit Tigers, San Francisco Giants, Toronto Blue Jays, and Chicago Cubs are all on the hunt for Flaherty. So, what will he do now?

Jack Flaherty looks to rewrite his legacy

Despite several speculations surrounding Jack’s signing with the Baltimore Orioles, the deal appears very much impossible. He had a 6.75 ERA for the nine games he played with the club, having an 11.9 hits-per-nine-inning rate. Flaherty’s such lackluster performance was the sole reason for his departure from the team. But times have changed for him. Despite the struggles, he finally bounced back playing for the Detroit Tigers and leaving a significant mark on MLB.

Jack Flaherty made 18 starts with the Detroit Tigers, a 2.95 ERA, and a great 11.2 strikeout ratio. His 14 strikeouts are the highest in a game and the most for a Tigers’ starter ever since Max Scherzer achieved the feat on August 14, 2014. Flaherty proved that sometimes bouncing back is the best way to negate setbacks, and eventually, turning into one of the top options for teams. He remained a key member of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ World Series win, and made 10 starts, with a 3.58 ERA, 61 strikeouts, and a 6-2 record to his name. Seems like he is all ready to dominate the game and rewrite his legacy with the Orioles if they show interest.  

Although the market might be laidback now, Jack Flaherty will still have a good multi-year deal. There are rumors about the San Francisco Giants interested in having him for a $100M contract. However, the impressive 2024 of this 29-year-old shows that he could land a nine-figure deal.

So, what do you think will be his ultimate destination? Share your thoughts below.