The Baltimore Orioles are expected to miss out on re-signing ace Corbin Burnes this winter, as Burnes is likely to land a deal worth around $250 million, a figure the Orioles cannot match. As a backup plan, the Orioles could pursue several other pitchers, with Bleacher Report’s Zachary Rymer predicting that Baltimore may sign former player Jack Flaherty to a four-year, $88 million contract.
Rymer noted that Flaherty showed flashes of being a No. 1 pitcher in 2024, though his performance was inconsistent. Flaherty had a solid 2.95 ERA when the Dodgers acquired him from the Detroit Tigers in July, and he delivered two excellent playoff starts, including a scoreless seven-inning gem in Game 1 of the National League Championship Series.
Despite concerns about his ability to be a true No. 1 starter, Flaherty boasts impressive peripheral numbers, such as an elite strikeout-to-walk ratio and whiff rate. Given that he isn’t tied to draft pick compensation, Flaherty could land a nine-figure deal, though it’s also possible he may fall just short of that mark.
The Orioles traded for Flaherty at the 2023 MLB trade deadline, but his stint in Baltimore was less than stellar, as he allowed 26 earned runs in 34 2/3 innings. However, after a strong performance last season, Flaherty is within the Orioles’ financial reach, making a reunion likely as the team is expected to miss out on Burnes.
