February is off to a chaotic start in the sports world. While the Dallas Mavericks appear to be waving the white flag by making a head-scratching trade that sent key assets packing, the Detroit Tigers are doing the opposite—doubling down on winning.
Detroit have re-signed right-hander Jack Flaherty to a two-year, $35 million contract, including an opt-out clause after the 2025 season. The new contract stipulates that Flaherty will earn $25 million in 2025, with a $10 million player option for 2026.
This option increases to $20 million if he starts at least 15 games in the upcoming season.
Flaherty, 29, initially joined the Tigers on a one-year deal in December 2023 and delivered a strong first half in 2024, posting a 2.95 ERA with 133 strikeouts over 106 2/3 innings. His performance led to a midseason trade to the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for prospects Trey Sweeney and Thayron Liranzo.
Sweeney, made an immediate impact with the Tigers, stepping in for an injured Javier Báez and contributing to the team’s late-season surge into the playoffs with a strong glove at short.
Liranzo, a 21-year-old catcher, showcased his potential with a strong finish at High-A West Michigan, posting a 1.032 OPS in 26 games, and continued his impressive performance in the Arizona Fall League with a 1.158 OPS over 15 games.
He is now considered one of the Tigers’ top prospects, ranking as the organization’s top catching prospect.
Another move to follow?
Now, the question is: What’s the next move? The Tigers have been linked to free agent third baseman Alex Bregman, a proven right-handed bat who would immediately strengthen the middle of their lineup.
If Detroit opts to go the trade route instead, they could tap into their deep pool of young pitching to acquire another impact bat.
With arms like Reese Olson, Jackson Jobe, and Sawyer Gipson-Long showing promise, the Tigers have the flexibility to add offensive firepower. Either way, President of Baseball Operations Scott Harris has made it clear that Detroit isn’t sitting still—the Tigers are in win-now mode.
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Emily Waldon 
Joe Rampe