NY Mets shouldn't pass on adding this free agent for a third time

Since David Stearns became the President of Baseball Operations in 2022, the New York Mets have embraced a new philosophy in acquiring starting pitching. Instead of going after the big-name guys, they're more interested in signing struggling starters to short-term deals and attempt to fix their problems. So far, this strategy has been a success, with how Sean Manaea and Luis Severino performed in 2024.

Jack Flaherty was one of these reclamation projects the Mets passed on last offseason. Instead, Flaherty signed a one-year deal with the Detroit Tigers. A move that paid off well as he posted a 3.17 ERA in 162 innings with 194 strikeouts to 38 walks, a 1.068 WHIP, and an ERA+ of 127. Better numbers than both Manaea and Severino. He was also one of the most sought-after players during the 2024 trade deadline. Although the Mets decided to pass on him again, he was traded to the Dodgers becoming an integral part of their World Series run.

Yet despite the strong season, Flaherty has struggled to land the long-term deal he expected. So much so he's once again open to taking a short-term deal. Although the Mets seem content with their rotation, they should bring in Flaherty on a short-term contract.

What Jack Flaherty brings to the Mets

The biggest thing Flaherty brings to the Mets rotation is stability. Although the rotation is better than it was at the start of 2024, there are still major question marks surrounding it. Like how Kodi Senga will pitching after missing almost all of 2024. Or will guys like Frankie Montas or Clay Holmes have the same success that other reclamation projects have had? Even the ace of the staff Manaea has questions about whether he can repeat his 2024 performance.

Flaherty is a pitcher who doesn't have lingering questions in the short term. Over his eight years in the bigs, he has an ERA of 3.63 with 942 strikeouts to 292 walks, a 1.182 WHIP, and an ERA+ of 112. He's not going to come in and be an ace. However, he can come in and be a reliable mid-rotation starter.

It's a similar move to trading for Chris Bassitt in 2022. Bassitt was not the ace of that staff, but arguably the most reliable starter in that rotation. It felt like every time the Mets needed a big game from their starter Bassitt delivered. This is the perfect role for Flaherty. Just go out there give the Mets six innings and keep them in ball games he starts.

There's also the possibility of Flaherty becoming a better pitcher with the Mets. We've seen the results the Mets' brand new pitching lab and development system has had. It turned around the careers of Manaea and Severino. It also turned David Peterson into one of the most reliable pitchers on the team. Who's to say that Flaherty can't use similar strategies to evaluate his game even further?

If the Mets want to go into the 2025 season with as few question marks as possible, then they should make signing Flahtery one of their top priorities.