The Detroit Tigers are a team that has been bad over the last handful of years.
But, they seem prepared to finally turn the corner and get back into contention.
Last season, the Tigers finished in second place in the AL Central with a 78-84 record.
They have a young team with plenty of players who are still coming into their own as MLB players.
Yet, it appears the Tigers want to add some veterans to help balance out their young core.
According to Bob Nightengale, the Tigers have officially agreed to a one-year deal with pitcher Jack Flaherty.
The deal is worth $14 million with a chance to get to $15 million if Flaherty makes 30 starts.
The Detroit Tigers, who have become serious AL Central division title contenders, officially announce the signing of former Cardinals starter Jack Flaherty to a one-year, $14 million contract that increases to $15 million if he makes 30 starts.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 20, 2023
Flaherty is coming off a 2023 season where he struggled for two teams.
He spent the first part of the year with the St. Louis Cardinals, where he pitched to a 4.43 ERA in 20 starts.
Then he was traded to the Baltimore Orioles, where he pitched in nine games with an ERA of 6.75.
Now he hopes to get a fresh start with the Tigers and regain the form from earlier in his career.
Flaherty was once seen as a top pitcher in baseball during his early years with the Cardinals.
But, due to injuries and other issues Flaherty was not able to reach his potential.
The Tigers struggled to get consistency from their starting rotation last season.
Signing Flaherty gives them hope that they can turn things around.
The AL Central is up for grabs in 2024, so do not be surprised if the Tigers make a run at the division title.
NEXT: Tigers GM Reveals The Team Is Not Done Yet This Offseason