Jack Flaherty: Weighing His Options Among Free Agency's Best
Amidst the swirling currents of MLB's offseason, Jack Flaherty stands as one of the few notable figures yet to ink a deal for the upcoming season. The right-handed pitcher, having wrapped up a campaign split between the Tigers and Dodgers, is on the brink of what could be a pivotal decision in his career. Flaherty finds himself contemplating short-term contracts that promise high average annual values, a testament to his fluctuating yet promising potential on the mound.
Flaherty's recent performance paints a complicated picture. Over the last three seasons, his ERA+ has bounced from 93 to 87 before climbing to a notable 127. This improvement underscores why teams are contemplating the risks and rewards of signing him. The fact that he's a sought-after free agent highlights the ever-present hope that he might reclaim the dominant form that characterized his early career.
Santander's Offensive Edge and Limitations
In the free-agent rankings, Anthony Santander has carved out a respectable position at No. 15. Known for his vibrant offensive prowess, Santander's appeal does not extend far beyond his abilities with the bat. "Unfortunately, Santander doesn't bring much more to the table than his bat: he's not a good defender or baserunner, meaning interested clubs will have to be confident that he can sustain his well-above-average offensive production well into his 30s," noted Ken Rosenthal, a prominent voice in the sports journalism realm.
While his defensive and baserunning skills lag behind his batting capacity, teams eyeing Santander must weigh their belief in the sustainability of his offensive capabilities. The hesitation in securing a long-term deal with the outfielder is indicative of these underlying concerns.
Raley's Comeback Trail
Meanwhile, veteran lefty reliever Brooks Raley has piqued the interest of both the Yankees and Cubs as he works back from Tommy John surgery. At 36, Raley's age might raise eyebrows, but his recent performances provide hope. Since the start of the 2022 campaign, Raley has managed an impressive 153 ERA+, highlighting his capacity to remain effective in high-pressure situations.
Raley's storyline is one of resilience and determination. Limited to just eight appearances last season due to his surgery, his comeback is one to watch, particularly for teams like the Yankees and Cubs, who could benefit significantly from a stabilized bullpen presence.
Braves' Calculated Move with Cooper
Adding a layer of intrigue to this offseason, the Braves have signed former All-Star outfielder Garrett Cooper to their camp roster on a minor-league deal. Cooper, at 34, is seeking to rejuvenate his career following a challenging spell. With a batting line of .242/.297/.395 (86 OPS+) over his last 573 plate appearances, the Braves are evidently taking a calculated gamble on the veteran.
For Cooper, this minor-league deal represents an opportunity to demonstrate that he still has valuable contributions to offer at the major league level. The Braves, by bringing him into camp, could potentially unlock some depth in their outfield options, depending on his performance and adaptation to the team dynamics.
As these narratives unfold, teams across the league remain attuned to how these additions and decisions will play out. Players like Flaherty, Santander, Raley, and Cooper each represent different dimensions of the free-agent market, offering glimpses into the strategic intricacies involved in building a competitive roster. For the fans and teams alike, the anticipation is not just about who signs where, but how these players will shape the coming season.