The Los Angeles Dodgers appear to be parting ways with starting pitchers Walker Buehler and Jack Flaherty following their acquisition of Blake Snell. Snell joins a rotation that includes Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, and other top starters.
Buehler has already signed with the Boston Red Sox, and Flaherty is likely to follow suit and sign elsewhere.
R.J. Anderson of CBS Sports recently predicted that Flaherty would leave the Dodgers, projecting him to sign with the Baltimore Orioles. Jon Heyman of the New York Post suggests that Flaherty could land an $80 million contract this offseason.
Anderson noted, “Now that Corbin Burnes has found a home, Flaherty is the best available starter with MLB experience.” He also mentioned that Flaherty could wait for the signing of Sasaki, which could prompt big-market teams that miss out on Sasaki to shift their focus to him. Anderson believes a reunion with Baltimore makes sense, as Flaherty does not require draft-pick compensation.
The Orioles traded for Flaherty in 2023, but he struggled towards the end of the season. After a strong 2024 season, Baltimore needs to take a chance on Flaherty if they want to be competitive in 2025.
With few ace-level options remaining in free agency after Flaherty, Baltimore may need to offer more than $100 million to secure him. If they miss out on Flaherty, the Orioles might have to trade a package of prospects to acquire a top starter.
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