Tigers 4.48 ERA starting pitcher named as buy-low trade target

The Detroit Tigers have some of the more interesting and captivating names at the MLB trade deadline who have a real chance to be moved.

While the focus will be on Tarik Skubal, Casey Mize, and Gleyber Torres are some very intriguing trade chips this summer. But, there are likely more players who could be dealt if the Tigers are selling.

As Bleacher Report's Tim Kelly highlighted, 4.48 ERA right-handed starter Jack Flaherty would be a good buy-low trade target for clubs this summer.

Tigers' Jack Flaherty tabbed as 'buy low' trade target

"Jack Flaherty's second stint with the Tigers has been underwhelming," Kelly writes. "... Perhaps if a team trades for Flaherty, he'll struggle the way he did after being acquired by the Orioles in 2023, when he went 1-3 with a 6.75 ERA over 34.2 innings. Alternatively, Flaherty could have the impact he had for the Dodgers in 2024, when he went 6-2 with a 3.58 ERA in 10 starts for a team he eventually helped win the World Series. The 30-year-old is worth taking a shot on."

With teams focusing on Skubal and Mize from the Tigers' rotation at the trade deadline, Flaherty might be a good "buy-low" trade target for clubs looking for a cheaper rental starter at the deadline.

Kelly's point is a good one, in that some clubs might back away over fears of a repeat of his 2023 season after being traded. But, if the Tigers starter performs as he did in 2024after being traded to the Dodgers, he could be a legitimately great starter.

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In 18 starts this season, Flaherty has a 4.48 ERA with a 3-8 record. But his most recent outing was a solid one, going 6.0 innings against the Philadelphia Phillies, allowing just two runs and getting the win with six strikeouts.

While the Tigers might not even be sellers this season, with their recent hot streak and the weak AL, meaning they have a chance to make the postseason, it wouldn't be a surprise if they were sellers.

And if they are, Flaherty could be a sneaky good pickup for a club that is willing to take a chance on a 30-year-old veteran starter who has some inconsistent history. Getting anything for Flaherty would be a win for Detroit, even if it's a small package.

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