There have been a number of problems with the Phillies rotation lately. Would upgrading Jack Flaherty, the starter for the Tigers, be the key to helping this team get over the hump?
Beyond merely their deficiency in offense, the Phillies have experienced problems in recent weeks. Throughout several rotations, the starters—including the several All-Stars—have experienced some difficult times. It’s becoming apparent to other teams in the league that it could be time to sell and regroup. Recent reports have indicated that the Detroit Tigers would be dealt on July 30th, the day of the trading deadline.
One name that has been mentioned as a potential trade partner for Detroit in a transaction is Jack Flaherty. The 28-year-old Flaherty is playing well for the Tigers after agreeing to a one-year contract this past winter. He has a 2.95 ERA, a 7-5 record, and 133 strikeouts in 106 2/3 innings this season. After the year, he will become a free agent, therefore he is making the most of his “contract year.
The Phillies are looking at rotation upgrades. Garrett Crochet (White Sox) and Jack Flaherty (Tigers) are among the options they’ve discussed.
The Phillies are hopeful that Taijuan Walker will return to their @MLB rotation in August. @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 23, 2024
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Would Jack Flaherty, the deal bait for the Tigers, really improve the Phillies rotation?
MLB Network insider Jon Morosi reports that the Phillies have talked about using Flaherty as a replacement to improve the rotation. It’s unclear from Morosi’s statement whether the Phillies have spoken with the Tigers on the trade chip or whether he’s talking to internal talks.
Even though Flaherty is making the most of his current one-year contract, he would be a better mid-tier addition to the rotation. Parting ways with possibilities like Andrew Painter or Aidan Miller for a short-term rental would be difficult. Maybe an improved Mick Abel would be included in the deal along with some lesser-known prospects.
In any case, the rotation has not been flawless and is currently vying for the fifth position due to Taijuan Walker’s persistent struggles and Spencer Turnbull’s prolonged absences from the injured list. Zack Wheeler and company could have less pressure at the top if Flaherty, a rotation boost, were added.
Fans of other teams would undoubtedly get interested in them if they made significant moves at the trade deadline. For the stretch run, names like Tarik Skubal and Luis Robert Jr. would feel like huge game changers. Would a trade for Flaherty be sufficient to lead this squad to the promised land, is the issue.