FLAHERTY TO THE DODGERS!
The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired pitcher Jack Flaherty from the Detroit Tigers for catcher Thayron Liranzo and infielder Trey Sweeney.
What does it give the Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers were able to secure Flaherty, one of the top starters on the market ahead of the trade deadline. He was among the best pitchers in the AL in the first half with a 2.95 ERA in 106.2 innings (133/19 K/BB, 1.01 WHIP). This was a return to form for the once-dominant Flaherty, after a couple of down years. Los Angeles needs him in their rotation, too. Their pitching staff has been ravaged by injuries all season long. It is a great addition, even if Flaherty winds up being a rental at the end of 2024.
What does it give the Detroit Tigers
After a disappointing stretch prior to the trade deadline, the Tigers chose to deal Flaherty in order to improve their hitting prospects. Liranzo, a 21-year-old power-hitting catcher, is the headliner. Meanwhile, Sweeney was a first-round draft pick in 2021. He is already playing at Triple-A and has both power and speed potential. Sweeney will likely make his MLB debut first, but Liranzo has more promise in the longer term. Considering Flaherty was on an expiring contract, this is a solid return for Detroit.
Fantasy impact
Now with the Dodgers, Flaherty should get more run support and earn more wins. He is returning to the NL, where he did struggle in recent seasons (before his resurgence in the AL). That said, there is no reason to believe he will regress in Los Angeles. Use him as you were. As for Detroit's prospects, Liranzo's development could be worth monitoring over the next few seasons. Sweeney might also be worth a speculative addition down the stretch.
