In the baseball off-season's swirling market of free agency, several prominent figures are contemplating their next moves, with choices that could reshape their careers and potentially benefit their future teams. Among these figures is Jack Flaherty, a pitcher whose recent history underscores both promise and uncertainty.
Jack Flaherty: Weighing Options on the Mound
Jack Flaherty stands out as one of the top remaining free agents in baseball, particularly for teams seeking a pitcher with significant upside on short-term, high-value contracts. The pitcher has recently split his time on the mound between the Detroit Tigers and the Los Angeles Dodgers, a move that offered mixed results reflected in his varied ERA+ scores over the past three years: 93, 87, and an impressive 127. These numbers hint at his capability to deliver standout performances, particularly at a high ERA+, yet they also underline a lack of consistency that potential suitors will need to carefully evaluate.
Flaherty's decision-making process in contemplating short-term deals opens a window for clubs wishing to benefit immediately from his top-tier pitching without a long-term commitment. This approach allows Flaherty to potentially capitalize on a few strong seasons, thereafter seeking a more lucrative and longer-term agreement.
The Value and Challenge of Anthony Santander
Another notable figure in the free-agent discussion is Anthony Santander, ranked No. 15 among his peers. Renowned for his offensive production, Santander is nevertheless a player with certain limitations that clubs must consider. As Ken Rosenthal aptly notes, "Unfortunately, Santander doesn't bring much more to the table than his bat: he's not a good defender or baserunner, meaning interested clubs will have to be confident that he can sustain his well-above-average offensive production well into his 30s."
This assessment emphasizes why Santander has yet to secure long-term contracts despite his prowess at the plate. His future team will need to prioritize his offensive capacities while mitigating the defensive and baserunning vulnerabilities he presents. Clubs with strong backup options in these areas may find Santander a worthy investment for his batting capabilities alone.
Veteran Lefty Brooks Raley Garners Interest
For teams like the New York Yankees and Chicago Cubs, the market for a veteran presence in the bullpen has led them to express interest in Brooks Raley. The 36-year-old lefty is noted for his potential impact, specifically highlighted by his 153 ERA+ since the start of the 2022 campaign. However, Raley's recent history poses another significant consideration for interested parties: he underwent Tommy John surgery, which limited him to just eight appearances last season.
Despite this, his experience and track record make him an attractive option for teams aiming to bolster their bullpen depth with a seasoned arm. If Raley can bounce back from his surgery with the same efficiency, he could become a valuable asset as either a setup man or situational lefty, bringing leadership and skill to the mound.
Garrett Cooper: Aiming for a Return
Meanwhile, the Atlanta Braves have quietly made a move by signing former All-Star outfielder Garrett Cooper to their camp roster on a minor-league deal. At 34 years old, Cooper brings with him a career trajectory shaped by numerous ups and downs. Over his last 573 plate appearances, Cooper has posted a batting line of .242/.297/.395, which translates to an OPS+ of 86. These statistics portray a player looking to rediscover his All-Star form.
Joining the Braves' system offers Cooper a chance to leverage a supportive environment and potentially secure a role that maximizes his strengths while rebuilding his value. The minor-league deal suggests that the Braves see potential upside with minimal risk, providing both parties an opportunity to explore and define a mutually beneficial role moving forward.
As teams and players both navigate the complexities and possibilities of the current free-agent landscape, decisions made now could have rippling effects as the next season approaches. The careful balance between player potential and team needs continues to shape the strategies and contracts unfolding in this dynamic period of baseball's off-season.