New details of failed Yankees-Jack Flaherty trade show Tigers lucked out big time

Detroit Tigers fans wish their favorite team was playing in the World Series right now, but after an unexpected run through the playoffs in 2024, it's difficult to be anything other than excited about the future.

After some recent trade details came to light, another feeling the Detroit faithful should have at this moment is relief. Jon Heyman of the New York Post recently divulged some of the elements of the trade surrounding the Tigers' last-minute deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers at this year's deadline.

The Tigers, of course, dealt starting pitcher Jack Flaherty to the Dodgers in exchange for catcher Thayron Liranzo and shortstop Trey Sweeney. But sometimes it's the deals that you don't make that are the most important.

New details of failed Yankees-Jack Flaherty trade show Tigers lucked out big time

Oddly enough, the team on the other line with the Tigers at the trade deadline was LA's World Series opponent, the New York Yankees. Both the Dodgers and Yankees were trying to bolster their starting rotations in order to make the playoff push, and the two title contenders each had their eye on Flaherty.

According to Heyman, the Yankees were dangling right-handed pitching prospect Will Warren as a potential trade chip in exchange for Flaherty. Warren has climbed up through New York's farm system and is viewed as a back-end starter.

But Warren really struggled at Triple-A this season. After posting a 10-4 record and 3.35 ERA at both Double-A and Triple-A in 2023, Warren fell apart in 2024. Prior to the July 30 deadline, Warren was 5-5 with a 6.11 ERA. Though Warren is able to rack up the Ks with regularity, he'd allowed 18 home runs in 20 minor league starts and the opposition was hitting .262.

Tigers traded for Trey Sweeney & Thayron Liranzo instead of Yankees RHP Will Warren

Warren was called up to the big leagues after the trade deadline, and his results were even worse. Warren had a four-week audition that saw him allow 31 hits in just over 21 innings of work. The rookie posted a 9.55 ERA and saw opponents teeing off on him to the tune of a .337/.398/.587 slash line.

On the flip side, Sweeney looked the part after making his Tigers' debut in mid-August. The young infielder's bat wasn't electric by any means, but Sweeney played above-average defense at shortstop. The Tigers also have Liranzo in the minor leagues, and after the trade the 21-year-old hit .315/.470/.562 for the Western Michigan White Caps.

Right about now, the Yankees are probably wishing they'd have pulled the trigger on the deal to acquire Flaherty from the Tigers. Detroit, on the other hand, is feeling pretty good about the way things worked out.

More Detroit Tigers News and Rumors