Rather than signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Jack Flaherty might have ended up with the New York Yankees. However, after examining the right-hander’s medical records, the Yankees withdrew from a tentative trade agreement with the Detroit Tigers for Flaherty, according to people briefed on the conversations.
The greatest starting pitcher dealt at the deadline was Flaherty, a possible free agent, who was ultimately acquired by the Tigers for two prospects in the rich Dodgers system: shortstop Trey Sweeney and catcher/first baseman Thayron Liranzo. It’s unknown what the Tigers would have gotten back from the Yankees.
Flaherty had to miss a start at the beginning of July due to a lower back injury, which required two injections over the course of three weeks. After coming back, he has started three games with a total ERA of 1.53 in 17 2/3 innings, two of which were against the Cleveland Guardians and one against the Toronto Blue Jays. In 106 2/3 innings this season, he has a 2.95 ERA.
Scott Harris, the president of baseball operations for the Tigers, told reporters in Detroit, “I can’t comment on medical stuff with trades.” “You would need to inquire with the other teams. Jack is in good health. He was going to start for us on Thursday if we didn’t move him.
Andrew Friedman, president of baseball operations for the Dodgers, declined to comment, citing the same constraints on discussing the medical histories of players. Requests for comment from Flaherty and Yankees general manager Brian Cashman were not answered.
In trade negotiations, medical reviews are not objective. A player’s condition may be viewed differently by different teams. A team may also decide to make a lower offer after lowering its estimation of the player’s value due to the perceived danger of signing him.
