Flaherty Eyes Short-Term Deals Amid League Interest
As the MLB off-season continues to unfold, Jack Flaherty has become one of the top remaining free agents. Having divided his last season between the Detroit Tigers and the Los Angeles Dodgers, Flaherty is now contemplating short-term contracts with high average annual values. His recent performances, including ERA+ scores of 93, 87, and an impressive 127 over the past three years, have made him a notable figure in the free-agent market.
With his mix of experience and potential, Flaherty is likely evaluating offers that could provide him both financial incentives and the opportunity to re-establish himself as a leading starting pitcher. The interest he generates now may well set the trajectory for his career resurgence or serve as a stepping stone to long-term stability.
Santander: Offensive Powerhouse with Defensive Limitations
Anthony Santander, another intriguing free agent ranked No. 15 on the market, continues to draw attention primarily for his offensive prowess. However, his defensive limitations coupled with concerns over his baserunning abilities have hindered his pursuit of long-term contracts. Renowned sports journalist Ken Rosenthal succinctly captures this dilemma, stating, "Unfortunately, Santander doesn’t bring much more to the table than his bat: he’s not a good defender or baserunner, meaning interested clubs will have to be confident that he can sustain his well-above-average offensive production well into his 30s."
Santander's situation illustrates a common paradox in professional baseball: while a robust bat can elevate a player to the upper echelons of the free-agent lists, the lack of a well-rounded skill set can prevent them from securing the stability afforded by long-term deals. Teams interested in signing Santander will need to weigh the offensive benefits against potential defensive liabilities.
Veteran Lefty Brooks Raley Draws League Attention
Veteran lefty reliever Brooks Raley has also piqued the interest of key franchises like the Yankees and the Cubs. At 36 years old, Raley carries the weight of experience but also the challenges of recovery from Tommy John surgery, which limited him to a mere eight appearances last season. Despite these setbacks, his strong 153 ERA+ since the start of the 2022 campaign provides a compelling argument for teams in need of bullpen reinforcement.
The demand for seasoned left-handed relievers remains high, and Raley's resilience and proven track record could fill significant gaps for contending teams. His ability to return to form post-surgery will be critical in shaping the impact he can have this coming season.
Braves Add Garrett Cooper to Minor-League Roster
In a strategic roster move, the Atlanta Braves have signed former All-Star outfielder Garrett Cooper to their camp roster on a minor-league deal. At 34 years of age, Cooper possesses a wealth of experience, though his recent batting line of .242/.297/.395, equating to an 86 OPS+ over his last 573 plate appearances, suggests he may be in the twilight of his prime.
The Braves' decision to bring Cooper into the fold reflects their interest in exploring depth options and perhaps uncovering undervalued potential that could contribute to their 2024 campaign. For Cooper, the minor-league deal presents an opportunity to prove his remaining value and perhaps earn a spot on the major league roster with his veteran presence in the clubhouse.
As the off-season progresses, these free-agent narratives offer glimpses into the strategic thinking of teams and players alike, each plot point deepening the dynamic and competitive landscape of Major League Baseball. The choices made in the coming weeks could redefine careers and project trajectories for many, setting the stage for an exciting upcoming season.