Forgotten Tigers pitcher could eventually become Jack Flaherty replacement if things get worse

Jack Flaherty is well on his way to erasing any goodwill he garnered from Tigers fans in 2024.

The 2.95 ERA he put up in Detroit that year was heralded as a near-miracle for Flaherty and the Tigers' pitching development. It made him one of the most coveted names at that year's trade deadline, and sure enough, they shipped him off to the Dodgers for prospects.

Although he came back down to earth a little in LA, re-signing him was generally still seen as a win for the Tigers. And then his follow-up season in Detroit was oftentimes disastrous, and there were far more question marks hanging around him when he made the expected decision to exercise his player option for 2026.

There were a few reasons to be concerned in his first few starts of the season, but the panic level has risen exponentially over his last two outings. He pitched 3 2/3 against the Red Sox and gave up two runs on three hits and six walks (though his defense wasn't doing him any favors), and then he only lasted two against the Reds after giving up six earned runs, all on homers.

The Tigers still owe Flaherty $20 million this season and would most likely be unwilling to eat the money, but if he gets bumped back to the bullpen, Detroit has a top prospect just waiting in the wings.

Tigers could finally give top prospect Ty Madden a real runway if Jack Flaherty's struggles continue

Ty Madden pitched 23 innings for the Tigers in 2024, but a rotator cuff strain kept him off the mound in 2025 and from graduating from prospect status. Detroit gave him one start but mostly used him in long relief throughout his short stint in the majors; his best appearance was a five-inning, one-run appearance in bulk relief against the Athletics. He returned to the mound in spring training this year, pitching two starts (5 2/3 innings) for a 1.59 ERA.

His performance in Triple-A so far has been a little up-and-down. He gave up three runs in his first appearance of the season. Although he hasn't given up more than two since, walks have been an on-and-off problem.

But the stuff is clearly still there; it's been enough to keep Madden solidly in the Tigers' top-30 despite a long absence with injury. The Tigers probably won't be quick to demote Flaherty, but should that day come, Madden could get a chance at a real runway in the majors.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow