The Cleveland Guardians need a dependable starting pitcher to complement the recent strong performances of youngster Tanner Bibee and veteran Triston McKenzie. Luckily, they might not have to look far for an experienced addition. Just north, in Detroit, the Tigers have a pitcher who has demonstrated impressive consistency this year: Jack Flaherty.
“What I didn’t know was he was gonna bring his best fastball into the first inning and then just take off and dominate,” Tigers Manager A.J. Hinch said after Flaherty struck out 14 against his former team, the St. Louis Cardinals. Flaherty’s dominant performance on April 30 marked the start of his first year with the Tigers.
This season, Flaherty has posted a 3.84 ERA, a .247 opponent batting average, and struck out 81 batters. He would be a perfect fit for the Cleveland Guardians.
Why might Detroit be willing to part ways with him? The Tigers have many young prospects in their minor league system eager for a shot at the big leagues. Flaherty, who signed a one-year, $14 million contract with performance bonuses, was intended as a short-term addition. This indicates that while the Tigers value his talent, they do not see him as part of their long-term plans.
Through his first 10 starts, Flaherty has a 1-4 record. Despite his strong individual performances, the team has struggled to win games. As of May 30, the Tigers are 4th in the AL Central with a 27-28 record, just below .500.
Flaherty’s talent is being overshadowed by a team struggling in various areas. The Guardians could provide him with a more stable environment and a chance to shine.
A trade for Flaherty could involve the Guardians giving up young prospects who are unlikely to make it to the major leagues soon. A straightforward but effective trade might see Cleveland send Triple-A prospect 1B/DH Jhonkensy Noel and RHP Andrew Walters. Noel has hit 13 home runs and eight doubles in 45 games, offering the Tigers a much-needed power boost. He can also play multiple positions, including first base, third base, outfield, or as a designated hitter.
The Guardians could afford to part with Noel due to the strong performances of 1B Josh Naylor, 3B Jose Ramirez, and utility player David Fry. This trade would also give Noel a fresh start and a clearer path to playing time.
Similarly, Walters could benefit from a change of scenery. He is one of the top pitchers in Double-A with the Akron RubberDucks, boasting a 3-0 record, a 1.35 ERA, and 38 strikeouts in 20 innings. At 24 years old, he may be slightly behind the curve for the Guardians, who have a wealth of young pitching prospects.
A trade to Detroit would provide both Walters and Noel with opportunities to develop with a team that can afford to take chances on its minor-league talent. If Flaherty doesn’t work out or isn’t in Cleveland’s future plans, the Guardians can part ways with him in the offseason. However, exploring this trade could be crucial for the Guardians if they aim to compete deep into October.
