Approved In: Braves Lands Home Another $60 Million Weapon In a Three-Year Bridged Deal

The Atlanta Braves are focused on returning in 2025 with a fully healthy and complete rotation, built for a deep playoff run.

Unfortunately for the Braves, injuries accumulated throughout the season, making a bid for the franchise’s fifth World Series title nearly unattainable.

With starting pitcher Max Fried set to become a highly sought-after free agent, the Braves may need to look for another marquee starter to complement ace Chris Sale at the front of their rotation next season.

Los Angeles Dodgers right-handed pitcher Jack Flaherty is predicted to receive a three-year, $60 million contract with an opt-out after 2026, with the Braves being the team expected to sign him, according to Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly in his article about this winter’s top free agents and their potential destinations.

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Flaherty has compiled a 55-41 record with a 3.63 ERA, a 942-to-292 strikeout-to-walk ratio, a .224 batting average against, and a 1.18 WHIP over his eight-season career. During this time, he has played for the St. Louis Cardinals, Baltimore Orioles, Detroit Tigers, and Los Angeles Dodgers.

If not for Flaherty’s concerning injury history, his market value would likely be much higher than the $60 million prediction from Kelly.

The recently turned 29-year-old posted an impressive 13-7 record with a 3.17 ERA, a 194-to-38 strikeout-to-walk ratio, a .223 batting average against, and a 1.07 WHIP during his time with the Tigers and Dodgers this season.

If Flaherty’s lingering back issues don’t persist next year, he could be a deadly addition to the Braves’ rotation. Acquiring the 2024 World Series champion would be a solid replacement for Fried in the rotation, should he not be re-signed this winter.

 

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