4. It contradicts one of his Harris' earlier statements
Harris said earlier this offseason that he doesn't want to sign anybody that could block the Tigers' young prospects. What does this signing do? Block young prospects.
Flaherty is virtually guarenteed to get innings that could go to someone like Sawyer Gipson-Long, who pitched very well in four starts last year. He had a 2.70 ERA in 20 innings pitched. I would much rather have an established arm than SGL in the rotation, but he would certainly be better than Flaherty.
Wilmer Flores and Keider Montero are other young arms that could get innings some time in 2024, at least they could have before the team threw $14 million at a pitcher who is beyond help.
Finally, Jackson Jobe is coming off a phenomenal 2023 season in the minors. If he keeps shoving, he could have very well seen time in Detroit in 2024 before the Flaherty signing. Now, it seems like he'll spend the entire 2024 season in the minors, no matter how well he pitches.
There's no two ways about it. This is a terrible signing. I would love to be wrong about Jack Flaherty, but all signs point to this being a dud.