Jack Flaherty Commits to Detroit, Declines Opt-Out for 2026 Season

Detroit Tigers starter Jack Flaherty has decided to stay put. The right-hander declined to exercise his opt-out clause, ensuring his return to the Tigers for the 2026 season on a $20 million salary, sources told ESPN. The decision signals Flaherty’s comfort in Detroit and his preference for stability after an inconsistent year that featured flashes of dominance but also bouts of frustration.

Had Flaherty chosen to test free agency, he would have faced a qualifying offer from Detroit and the risk of entering a crowded pitching market following a season that failed to meet his own high standards. While his strikeout numbers remained impressive, his overall performance dipped, creating uncertainty about his potential market value.

Now 30, Flaherty remains an integral part of the Tigers’ rotation — one that is still viewed as a cornerstone of the franchise’s effort to return to sustained playoff contention. His decision provides Detroit with veteran consistency as the team navigates an offseason likely to bring significant roster movement.

By staying, Flaherty joins an experienced yet evolving pitching staff led by Tarik Skubal, whose future has become a talking point around baseball as he approaches free agency in 2027.

1. A Season of Frustration and Familiar Firepower

Flaherty’s 2025 campaign encapsulated both his strengths and shortcomings. He once again ranked among American League leaders in strikeouts, fanning 188 batters in 161 innings, but also endured tough luck and poor run support, leading the league with 15 losses. His 4.64 ERA reflected inconsistency rather than decline — a season marred by home run trouble, as he surrendered 23 long balls. Despite those challenges, Detroit valued Flaherty’s competitiveness and reliability on the mound. He made all his scheduled starts and logged quality innings for a club that used 36 pitchers over the course of the season. His ability to limit walks — just 59 in nearly 1,000 innings over his career — continues to make him a stabilizing presence in a rotation prone to volatility. The Tigers’ front office believes that better defensive positioning and refined pitch sequencing could yield sharper results in 2026. Manager A.J. Hinch and pitching coach Chris Fetter have praised Flaherty’s work ethic and adaptability, emphasizing his role as a mentor to the younger arms in the clubhouse. Detroit’s pitching identity hinges on a balance between experience and upside — and in that sense, Flaherty remains a key piece of the club’s competitive equation heading into spring training.

2. Tigers’ Rotation Outlook Amid Potential Changes

While Flaherty’s return brings stability, the broader picture for Detroit’s pitching staff remains fluid. Ace Tarik Skubal, a two-time Cy Young winner, is expected to draw interest from teams seeking frontline pitching. Though sources told ESPN that Detroit has no plans to trade him this winter, his upcoming free agency after the 2026 season ensures that trade inquiries will continue throughout the offseason. Behind Skubal and Flaherty, the Tigers will return a mix of proven arms and rising talent. Casey Mize continues to regain form after elbow surgery, while rookie Troy Melton impressed with his poise and command. Reese Olson, who missed much of 2025 with a shoulder issue, is also expected to rejoin the rotation. Collectively, that group gives Detroit a deep and balanced mix, though questions about durability remain. The Tigers’ 2025 season ended with an 87-75 record, a wild-card series win over Cleveland, and a division series exit against Seattle. It was their most competitive campaign in nearly a decade — a sign that the rebuilding phase may finally be nearing completion. However, sustaining that progress will require sharper pitching consistency and greater run support, two areas the team aims to address this winter. By retaining Flaherty, Detroit ensures that at least part of its foundation remains intact. His experience and leadership, coupled with his familiarity with the coaching staff, make him a reliable anchor amid a changing landscape.

3. A Relationship Built on Trust and Continuity

Flaherty’s connection with the Tigers’ staff was central to his decision to stay. After a strong first stint in Detroit in 2024, where he posted a 2.95 ERA with 133 strikeouts and just 19 walks before being traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers, he returned to the franchise last winter on a two-year, $35 million contract. That deal included incentives and an escalator clause — which doubled his 2026 salary to $20 million after surpassing 15 starts. The comfort he found under Hinch and Fetter helped rekindle his confidence following a difficult few seasons plagued by injuries. While his fastball velocity averaged 92.8 mph — below league norms — his curveball and slider remained elite, enabling him to generate swings and misses despite reduced speed. Over his nine-year career, Flaherty owns a 63-56 record, 3.80 ERA, and 1,130 strikeouts across nearly 1,000 innings. Those numbers reflect a pitcher who, when healthy, delivers quality innings and veteran steadiness — qualities Detroit has come to depend on as it aims to sustain its momentum. By opting in, Flaherty sends a clear message: he believes in the Tigers’ direction and his role in shaping it. For a franchise seeking to blend continuity with growth, his presence provides both leadership and stability heading into 2026.