Pittsburgh Pirates: Vital Offseason Ahead, Five Players to Target in Free Agency

Hopefully, the Pirates can secure some of these players in free agency to help with their chances to compete in 2024

Colorado Rockies v Baltimore Orioles
Colorado Rockies v Baltimore Orioles | G Fiume/GettyImages
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No. 5 Jack Flaherty

Jack Flaherty, has declined since his 2018 and 2019 campaigns with the Cardinals, when he finished in the top 5 of Cy Young voting in 2019. While he has faced challenges over the past few seasons, he has been a consistent contributor for the Cardinals before his trade to the Baltimore Orioles at the 2023 deadline, where he was exchanged for Cesar Prieto, Zack Showalter, and Drew Rom.

Since the trade, Flaherty has experienced significant struggles, registering a 1-2 record with a 6.41 ERA and a FIP of 4.69 in 4 starts. While it's important to recognize that some of his struggles were a result of unfortunate circumstances, his control has been an issue. His career walk rate of 3.5 took a notable jump to 4.4 this season.

At just 27 years old, turning 28 soon, if he can rediscover his dominance, he has the potential to serve as a top-tier pitcher in any rotation. If his contract demands are reasonable, considering his age and upside, a long-term contract might be worth an investment.

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