The Baltimore Orioles are unlikely to re-sign ace this offseason, as he’s projected to secure a contract around $250 million—a figure well beyond what the Orioles are willing to offer.
As an alternative, the Orioles may pursue other pitching options, with Bleacher Report’s Zachary Rymer suggesting a reunion with former Oriole Jack Flaherty on a four-year, $88 million deal.
“At times in 2024, Jack Flaherty pitched like a true No. 1 starter, while at other times he struggled,” Rymer wrote. “He posted a 2.95 ERA after the Dodgers acquired him from the Detroit Tigers in July and delivered two excellent postseason starts, including a seven-inning shutout performance in Game 1 of the NLCS.
“Even if teams are reluctant to view Flaherty as an ace, he has strong selling points, such as elite strikeout-to-walk and whiff rates this year. Since he isn’t tied to draft pick compensation, he could command a nine-figure contract or something close.”
Flaherty, who joined the Orioles at the 2023 trade deadline, left a sour impression in Baltimore after allowing 26 earned runs over 34 2/3 innings. However, his resurgence in 2024, coupled with his affordable price tag, makes him a logical target for the Orioles as they prepare to miss out on Burnes.
Leave a Reply