FLAHERTY NEEDS TO BE A SERIOUS SIGNING BY THE YANKEES

The Yankees need to get serious about bringing Jack Flaherty to the Bronx in my opinion. Seriously, they missed out on him at the trade deadline because of some sketchy medical reports, and what happened? Flaherty went on to pitch just fine for the Dodgers, even starting two games against the Yankees in the World Series. That has to sting, and it bothers me. Now, with Flaherty hitting free agency, the Yankees have a chance to right that wrong—and they better not blow it this time.

Flaherty threw 162 innings in 2024, the most he’s managed in five years, while boasting a 5-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio. That’s not just solid; it’s exactly what the Yankees need. After a season where their rotation constantly felt like a game of musical chairs—except nobody wanted to sit down—it’s clear that adding a reliable starter is priority number one.

Yes, the Padres and Angels might be sniffing around too. Flaherty’s former manager in St. Louis, Mike Shildt, is now in San Diego, and the two reportedly still have a good relationship, but the Padres are stuck in NL West chaos, and the Angels? Well, they’re the Angels. They’d need a miracle to convince anyone they’re serious contenders. The Yankees, on the other hand, are built to win now, and Flaherty could be a huge part of that.

Let’s not forget how close Flaherty already came to wearing pinstripes. Back by the trade deadline, the Yankees reportedly had a deal lined up to acquire him from the Tigers, only to back out after reviewing his medicals. But guess what? Flaherty looked just fine down the stretch and into October. If the Yankees are still fretting about his health, they need to take a deep breath and remember that pitchers aren’t exactly made of titanium. Roll the dice, sign him, and reap the benefits.

Flaherty has shown he can handle the spotlight, and there’s no bigger stage than Yankee Stadium. He’s been through the highs and lows of a career already, battled injuries, and come out on the other side ready to compete. And let’s talk value. If Flaherty’s price tag stays under $100 million, this could be one of the better deals of the offseason. For a team like the Yankees that routinely tosses around big bucks, this feels like a no-brainer.

Yankees fans deserve a front office that learns from its mistakes. Flaherty slipping through their fingers once was bad enough. Letting it happen again would be unforgivable. If the Yankees want to stay serious about contending—and avoid another season of playoff heartbreak—they need to act fast.

Flaherty in pinstripes just makes sense. Yankees, make it happen. Don’t overthink this one.