The Pittsburgh Pirates are keeping an eye on the market for veteran pitcher Jack Flaherty since starting pitching is desperately needed and the Winter Meetings are now taking place.
On Monday, beat reporter for the Cardinals Jeff Jones and MLB Trade Rumours reported that the 28-year-old pitcher Jack Flaherty is reportedly being pursued by the Pittsburgh Pirates, who are also keeping an eye on his market. The Pirates are willing to sign him to a short-term contract if he doesn’t receive a long-term offer from another team, according to J. As many observers and journalists as possible have said that this offseason, signing starting pitchers is crucial. The Pirates starting rotation displayed moments of excellence in 2022–2023, but as the season came to a finish, younger pitchers found it difficult to advance. Let’s investigate Jack Flaherty and see what he can provide.
Because Jack Flaherty was once an ace for the St. Louis Cardinals, a division foe, some Pirates fans may remember him. Throughout his seven-year tenure with the Cardinals, Flaherty pitched 633 innings, 118 starts, and had a 1.18 WHIP. He also posted a 3.58 ERA, 3.97 FIP, and 748 strikeouts. Despite his injury issues, Flaherty continued to produce strong results for the Cardinals. Sadly, Flaherty’s time with the Baltimore Orioles didn’t work out when he was moved to them prior to the trade deadline in the previous season. Along with the Flaherty, who pitched for the Orioles, had a 6.75 ERA, 4.84 FIP, 42 strikeouts, and a 1.67 WHIP in 34 2/3 innings. During his brief tenure with the Orioles, Flaherty struggled to give up heavy contact, and he desperately needs to improve in the 2023–2024 season.
It’s not unexpected that the Pittsburgh Pirates will be focusing on starting pitching once more this offseason given that Ben Cherington, their general manager, has added senior pitching—albeit at times very hit or miss—to their team every offseason. Flaherty is only 28 years old and one of the younger free agents on the market with real upside, so even after coming off a difficult year, it wouldn’t hurt to add a guy like him to the rotation on a temporary basis.
