Dodgers’ $92 Million Ace Predicted to Ditch LA to Sign With NL Contender

Starting pitcher Jack Flaherty only spent half of the 2024 season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, but it was memorable. The right-hander was a crucial part of manager Dave Roberts’ postseason rotation as the Dodgers won their second World Series title since 2020.

While Flaherty publicly said he never wants to leave Los Angeles, that seems like the most likely possibility for 2025 and beyond. The 29-year-old has been linked to several teams, some of which include the San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles Angels, Chicago Cubs and Detroit Tigers.

Could the Atlanta Braves come out of nowhere and add him to their rotation? The Athletic’s Jim Bowden thinks it’d be a good idea.

“I haven’t heard about Flaherty being connected much with the Braves, but I think that would be an ideal match for him,” Bowden wrote. “They lost Max Fried and Charlie Morton in free agency. Spencer Strider, who is recovering from internal-brace elbow surgery, won’t be ready for Opening Day. They have a lot of strong young arms for the back of their rotation but could really use another veteran.”

Flaherty signed a one-year, $14 million deal last winter in hopes of rebuilding his value on the open market. His 2024 campaign resulted in a 13-7 record with a 3.17 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 194 strikeouts in 162 innings. Following that performance, the right-hander is likely looking for a multi-year deal before signing on the dotted line.

The Athletic’s Tim Britton projected a four-year, $92 million deal for the hurler at the start of the winter.

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