The Detroit Tigers have endured a difficult July, losing 12 of their last 14 games despite entering the summer as strong contenders in the American League. Although the team maintains an eight-game lead in the American League Central division, many baseball insiders worry that glaring weaknesses could lead to an early exit come October. Amid these struggles, pitcher Jack Flaherty remains a focal point, recently delivering a strong outing against the Toronto Blue Jays by pitching six scoreless innings in a 10-4 victory.
Jack Flaherty’s $20 Million Salary for Next Season Secured Through Contract Clause
While Flaherty has faced a challenging season, his compensation for the next year is set to rise significantly. MLB insider Bob Nightingale revealed that Flaherty’s original two-year, $35 million contract will increase to $45 million following the activation of an escalator clause. This clause guarantees Flaherty $20 million for the upcoming season after he exceeded 15 starts this year. Additionally, Flaherty retains the option to opt out and pursue free agency if he chooses.
Originally signed to a one-year, $14 million contract with the Tigers in 2024, Flaherty initially performed well, achieving a 2.95 ERA across 18 starts before being traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers at the trade deadline. After the Dodgers adjusted their starting rotation, he returned to Detroit during the offseason.
Mixed Individual Performance Underscores Pitching Concerns
Flaherty’s 2025 season has included notable struggles, as shown by a 6-10 record and a 4.51 ERA. Despite showing flashes of dominance—such as leading the league in strikeouts and a recent six-inning shutout—his overall effectiveness has flagged. His strikeout rate remains strong, but an elevated walk rate and infrequent success with his curveball have contributed to concerns over his consistency. His fastball, a valuable asset last season with a positive run value of six, has dropped in effectiveness, registering a decline in whiff rate from 24% to 18% this year.
“Jack Flaherty with a massive bounce back start today vs TOR
6 IP, 5 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 7 K
16 whiffs
66 Strike%
30 CSW%#RepDetroit
pic.twitter.com/IYdDZUIvHs”
— DataBase Hit
In May and June, Flaherty’s ERA ballooned to 4.67 and 6.84 respectively, prompting speculation that he might lose his spot in the rotation. His improvements in July offer hope, but he still faces challenges as opponents appear to be hitting him harder than before.
Team’s Pitching Depth Issues Heighten Pressure on Flaherty
The Tigers’ reliance on Flaherty is amplified by broader difficulties in their starting rotation. Tarik Skubal, considered a frontrunner for the American League Cy Young Award and an MVP vote candidate, has been a critical asset but the team needs more dependable arms. Meanwhile, All-Star Casey Mize’s ERA surged to 6.43 in July, and Jackson Jobe will miss the rest of the season recovering from Tommy John surgery.
Adding further strain, Alex Cobb, who signed a $15 million contract, has yet to make his debut due to ongoing inflammation issues. This series of setbacks underscores the Tigers’ pressing need for Flaherty to raise his level of performance as they push toward the postseason.
Flaherty’s Role and Team Outlook Moving Forward
Despite the Tigers’ July collapse and Flaherty’s uneven season, the $20 million payday next year is a testament to the expectations placed upon him. The increasing financial commitment reflects the team‘s belief in his potential to contribute significantly as they compete for the division title. How Flaherty adapts and improves during the remainder of the season will be crucial for Detroit’s chances of making a strong postseason run.