The Mets are in the market for another arm to solidify their starting rotation, and Jack Flaherty could be just the kind of gamble they’re willing to take.
The 29-year-old is coming off a strong season split between the Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Dodgers, where he pitched 162 innings with a 3.17 ERA. Flaherty struck out 10.78 batters per nine, his best mark since 2020, and maintained an 80.9% left-on-base rate. While those numbers hint at ace-level potential, Flaherty’s injury history and inconsistent career make him a classic high-risk, high-reward candidate.
Flaherty’s Upside Is Undeniable
Flaherty brings a lot to the table. His 91st-percentile whiff rate and 90th-percentile strikeout rate highlight his ability to dominate hitters when he’s on. His breaking pitches are elite, ranking in the 98th percentile for breaking run value. His knuckle-curve held opponents to a .164 batting average, while his rarely-used changeup was even better, limiting hitters to a .111 average. His slider and curveball are devastating, and while his four-seam fastball sits at a modest 93.3 mph, it’s effective enough to keep hitters guessing, holding them to a .245 batting average.
There’s no question Flaherty’s stuff can play at the top of a rotation. The issue has always been whether he can stay on the mound. He hasn’t thrown more than 162 innings since his 196.1-inning breakout in 2019, and the gaps in workload are hard to ignore. For the Mets, who’ve had their share of injury troubles in recent years, signing Flaherty might feel like walking a tightrope without a net.
A Short-Term Deal Could Make Sense
According to The Athletic, Flaherty is open to a short-term deal with a high average annual value, making him an intriguing option for a Mets team that might be hesitant to make another long-term pitching commitment. “At least two — right-hander Jack Flaherty and outfielder Anthony Santander — are open to considering short-term deals with high average annual values, according to league sources briefed on their discussions,” the report stated.
For the Mets, this could be an opportunity to roll the dice on Flaherty’s upside while limiting their exposure to risk. A one- or two-year deal with a higher salary would protect them from being saddled with dead money if injuries or inconsistency rear their heads again. At the same time, it gives Flaherty a chance to rebuild his value and hit the free-agent market again while still in his early 30s.
Why Flaherty Fits
The Mets’ rotation, as it stands, is a mix of promise and question marks. Kodai Senga has ace potential but comes with injury concerns. Clay Holmes is transitioning into a starter, a move fraught with uncertainty. Adding Flaherty would provide a high-upside arm to help round out the group, offering them another pitcher capable of delivering dominant starts.
Flaherty’s playoff experience also adds value. The Mets have long sought players who can perform under the bright October lights, and Flaherty has proven he can rise to the occasion, notably in his early years with the St. Louis Cardinals.
- Mets struck gold with tremendous pitching extension
- Phillies star says Mets infielder should have been NL MVP
- Mets legend on the cusp of Hall-of-Fame entry
Balancing Risk and Reward
The decision to pursue Flaherty will ultimately hinge on the Mets’ tolerance for risk. They’ve shown a willingness to bet on players with injury histories, but with Flaherty, the potential payoff could be worth the gamble. His performance in 2024 proved he still has the tools to be a difference-maker, and a short-term deal would allow the Mets to capitalize on his talent without overcommitting.
For a team trying to piece together a contender, Flaherty represents a swing-for-the-fences option. He might not be the safe bet, but when he’s healthy and dialed in, he’s as dangerous as anyone. For a Mets rotation looking to push past the patchwork stage, that’s a risk worth considering.