Jack Flaherty Weighing Free Agency Options
As the offseason unfolds, Jack Flaherty finds himself among the top free agents still available in the market. A pitcher with substantial upside, Flaherty is reportedly considering short-term contracts with high average annual values, a strategy that could leverage his immediate impact abilities while keeping future options open.
Flaherty's recent seasons saw him splitting time between the Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Dodgers, providing both clubs with moments of brilliance tempered by inconsistency. Over the past three years, his ERA+ scores have shown some fluctuation, recording 93, 87, and spiking to 127 in the most recent season. This upward trend may be reassuring to interested teams, suggesting a possible return to his earlier form. His current free agency status attracts considerable attention given his potential to significantly bolster a starting rotation.
Anthony Santander's Value and Limitations
Anthony Santander, ranked No. 15 among this year’s free agents, stands out primarily for his offensive prowess. Known for his robust batting capabilities, Santander's value on the market, however, is shadowed by limitations in his defensive play and baserunning. As noted by Ken Rosenthal, "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."
Santander's skillset makes him an appealing candidate for teams looking to enhance their lineup, but the lack of a comprehensive game presents challenges for securing a lengthy contract. His situation suggests a need for interested teams to weigh the value of his offensive contributions against what they might sacrifice elsewhere on the field.
Interest in Brooks Raley Despite Surgery Setback
The free-agent market has also turned its spotlight on veteran left-handed reliever Brooks Raley. At 36 years old, Raley has attracted interest from teams like the Yankees and Cubs, despite a recent Tommy John surgery that limited him to merely eight appearances last season. Raley's appeal, even post-surgery, is anchored by his impressive 153 ERA+ since the start of the 2022 campaign. This metric places him among the league's more reliable relief options when healthy.
With experience and a proven track record, Raley represents a potential high-reward option for teams seeking to strengthen their bullpen with a veteran presence. The risk associated with his recovery and ability to return to form is an ongoing consideration for interested clubs.
Garrett Cooper Aims for Return with Braves
Meanwhile, the Atlanta Braves have made a strategic move by signing former All-Star outfielder Garrett Cooper to a minor-league deal, inviting him to their camp roster. Cooper, 34, has seen his performance dip with a batting line of .242/.297/.395 (86 OPS+), calculated over his last 573 plate appearances. Despite these numbers, the potential for a rejuvenation in form provides the Braves with a low-risk, high-hope gamble as they assess their outfield options ahead of the new season.
Cooper’s signing signifies Atlanta's interest in exploring experienced depth to potentially form part of their rotational outfield mix, a prudent approach that hinges on rediscovering his previous star-level contributions.
As the MLB offseason continues, these free agents represent intriguing narratives of potential and redemption, capable of altering team dynamics with the right future home. Whether through short-term stints or veteran leadership roles, their paths will be instrumental to watch as clubs finalize their rosters for the upcoming season.