In a surprising turn of events, the Detroit Tigers have announced that right-handed pitcher Jack Flaherty will be scratched from tonight's start against the Guardians. According to sources from the New York Post, a trade involving Flaherty is expected to be completed soon, prompting the Tigers to take precautionary measures.

Although no specific deal has been confirmed at this time, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press agrees that the Tigers are still planning to trade the talented pitcher. Flaherty, who turns 29 in October, has been a standout performer this season, boasting an impressive 2.95 ERA in 18 starts. His 32% strikeout rate places him among the top five pitchers in the entire MLB for pitchers with over 100 innings pitched.

Flaherty's impending departure comes as a surprise to many, especially considering the Tigers' current position in the wild card race. Despite being 5.5 games out of contention, the team's slim 5.2% chance at the playoffs is apparently not enough to dissuade president of baseball operations, Scott Harris, from exploring trade opportunities. Flaherty, who signed a one-year, $14 million deal with the Tigers last December, will likely be a rental for his new team.

The former first-round pick by the St. Louis Cardinals has certainly made a name for himself over the years. In 2019, Flaherty finished fourth in the NL Cy Young voting, showcasing his exceptional talent on the mound. However, injuries have plagued Flaherty's recent seasons, including a lengthy absence due to an oblique strain in 2021 and ongoing shoulder issues in 2022, which limited him to just 36 innings.

Despite these setbacks, Flaherty appears to have regained his form in 2023, providing a much-needed boost to both the Tigers and his potential new team. A back injury briefly sidelined him in June, but he has since returned to the mound and delivered impressive performances in his last three starts.

Should the Tigers proceed with a prospect-focused trade for Flaherty, it will undoubtedly mark a turning point for their 2024 season. The team's rotation depth is already tenuous, relying heavily on pitchers such as Tarik Skubal and Flaherty. With veterans like Kenta Maeda and rookie Keider Montero lending support, the loss of Flaherty would significantly weaken the Tigers' pitching arsenal.

Flaherty's exceptional performance this season has made him a highly sought-after target for numerous contenders. The Padres, Dodgers, Yankees, and Astros have all been linked to the talented pitcher, but even the Orioles, despite Flaherty's struggles with the team last year, have not been ruled out as potential suitors. With his past success and availability, Flaherty will likely have no shortage of teams vying for his services.

As fans anxiously await confirmation of the impending trade, it remains to be seen which team will ultimately secure Flaherty's talents. For the Tigers, this transaction represents a pivotal moment in their quest for future success, while for Flaherty, it presents an opportunity to make an impact on a contending team.