s first stint in an Orioles uniform didnt go well, as the right-hander struggled to a 6.75 ERA in 34 2/3 innings after Baltimore acquired him from the Cardinals at the 2023 trade deadline. However, it doesnt appear that any hard feelings exist between Flaherty and the Os, as write that both sides would be open to a reunion after Flahertys bounce-back season. Injuries marred Flahertys 2020-22 seasons, and his 2023 numbers are okay but unspectacular (4.43 ERA in 109 2/3 innings) even before his production cratered by the trade to Baltimore. He signed a one-year, $14MM deal with the Tigers last offseason with the goal of re-establishing his value for another quick trip into free agency, and that plan paid off in spades. Flaherty posted a 3.17 ERA over 162 innings for the Tigers and Dodgers, and another deadline deal that sent him to Los Angeles saw Flaherty capture a World Series ring with his hometown team. Flahertys 29.9% strikeout rate, 32.1% whiff rate, and 5.9% walk rate were all excellent, while his hard-contact and chase rates were both well above the league average. Batters were able to square up Flaherty when they did make good contract (24 homers allowed, 7.7% barrel rate) and his fastball averaged only 93.3mph, but his modest four-seamer was mostly a setup pitch for Flahertys devastating curveball. This isnt the Bobby Trivigno Jersey first time Flaherty has been linked to the Orioles this winter, as wrote a few weeks ago that the Os viewed Flaherty as a potential backup plan if the team was unable to re-sign . Now that Burnes has officially signed with the Diamondbacks, it therefore isnt surprising that Sammon and Woo write that the Orioles recently inquired about Flaherty, as well as other starters they might have on their target list. How many free agents are on that target list isnt clear, as Flaherty stands out as the top starter available now that Burnes is off the board. Flaherty is perhaps the only pitcher remaining who has clear-cut upside as a No. 1 starter, which is what the Orioles need for a rotation that is solid but lacking in a true ace. Of course, Flahertys inconsistent track record prior to 2024 isnt exactly evidence that the 29-year-old is that kind of frontline pitcher, but it might speak to his talent that the Os are still interested signing him even in the wake of the 2023 letdown. Such pitchers as the Padres and the Mariners have been linked to the Orioles on the trade front, but acquiring those hurlers would cost the Os in both prospects and (in Castillos case) some significant money. Signing Flaherty would cost Baltimore only money, and perhaps importantly, no draft picks since Flaherty wasnt eligible for a qualifying offer. is the last pitcher remaining who rejected a qualifying offer, and signing Pivetta would cost the Orioles their third-highest pick in the 2025 draft a conce sion Baltimore was about giving up for Pivetta or any other qualified pitcher besides Burnes (who wouldnt have cost the Orioles any extra compensation since he was their own free agent). Reilly Smith Jersey