The Los Angeles Dodgers have made a major move to strengthen their already-loaded starting rotation by reportedly agreeing to terms with two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell on a massive $182 million deal. With Snell now in the fold, the Dodgers’ pitching staff is looking even more dominant heading into the 2025 season, but this high-profile addition comes at a cost: the departure of one of their own free-agent starters.
The End of the Line for Jack Flaherty?
As a result of landing Snell, the Dodgers are expected to part ways with starting pitcher Jack Flaherty. After acquiring Flaherty in a trade with the Detroit Tigers at the trade deadline, the Dodgers hoped to bolster their rotation during a time when both Shohei Ohtani was sidelined due to injury and Clayton Kershaw was battling health issues. Flaherty, who went 6-2 with a solid 3.17 ERA and nearly 200 strikeouts in 2024, was a key contributor for the Dodgers down the stretch. However, with Snell’s addition, it’s clear that Flaherty’s time in Los Angeles is coming to an end.
Flaherty’s Impressive Campaign and Uncertain Future
Flaherty’s tenure with the Dodgers was marked by consistent and effective pitching, but it looks like his impressive performance won’t be enough to secure a long-term spot with the team. With a projected $63 million deal on the horizon for the 28-year-old right-hander, the Dodgers seem poised to let him walk, even though Flaherty himself has expressed a strong desire to remain in Los Angeles.
It’s a tough break for Flaherty, who seemed to find his groove in L.A., but with the Dodgers making a clear push for top-tier talent like Snell, his future with the team was always in question. The irony, as noted by Wynston Wilcox of FanSided, is that Flaherty could very well end up with another team that has had its eyes on him for a while: the New York Yankees. The Yankees have long been in the market for starting pitching, and Flaherty’s potential availability makes him an obvious fit in their plans.
The Dodgers’ Ambitious Offseason
While the Snell signing has dominated the headlines, the Dodgers’ offseason strategy has been one of calculated moves aimed at securing their place as World Series favorites in 2025. In addition to Snell, Los Angeles has been active on the trade and free-agent markets, shaping a pitching staff that now includes one of the most dominant southpaws in the league alongside established stars like Kershaw and the incoming talent.
The acquisition of Snell underscores the Dodgers’ relentless pursuit of excellence. Snell brings a wealth of postseason experience, a Cy Young pedigree, and the kind of electric stuff that could make Los Angeles’ rotation one of the most feared in all of baseball. For the Dodgers, it’s all about winning now—and having a deeper, more reliable rotation is a key part of that strategy.
What’s Next for Flaherty?
As for Flaherty, he’ll likely find a lucrative deal elsewhere. His performance in 2024 has earned him a solid reputation around the league, and given the current state of starting pitching across baseball, several teams in need of a solid No. 2 or 3 starter will certainly come calling.
The Yankees, as mentioned, could be a prime landing spot for Flaherty, but teams like the St. Louis Cardinals (his former team), the Chicago Cubs, or even the San Francisco Giants might be in play as well. Wherever he lands, Flaherty is expected to secure a contract that could range upwards of $60 million, reflecting his value as one of the better mid-tier arms on the free-agent market.
A Shrewd Move for the Dodgers
While Flaherty’s departure will be tough for fans who appreciated his solid contributions in 2024, the signing of Blake Snell is a clear message from the Dodgers: they are going all-in for the 2025 season. With Snell, Kershaw, and Ohtani (should he return to full health) anchoring the rotation, the Dodgers are well-positioned to be one of the most dominant teams in baseball next year.
For now, the Dodgers’ focus will be on integrating Snell into their roster while Flaherty looks to begin a new chapter in his career. The offseason is still young, and it’s safe to say that both the Dodgers and Flaherty have a lot of work to do in the coming months. Stay tuned as both sides look to make the most of their respective situations.
