Story by
Detroit Tigers' Jack Flaherty explains struggles: 'I won't stop until I figure it out'
- Story by
- Detroit Tigers' Jack Flaherty explains struggles: 'I won't stop until I figure it out'
Detroit Tigers right-hander Jack Flaherty has a 4.61 ERA through eight starts in the 2025 season, a significant regression from his 2.95 ERA over 18 starts for the Tigers in 2024. The 29-year-old is struggling with his four-seam fastball.
The problem: Flaherty isn't missing bats with his fastball anymore.
Advertisement
The result: Hitters are making more contact and doing more damage.
"We want him to work on everything," Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said of his team's No. 2 starter. "This isn't really who he is. It's who he's been for a couple of starts. This is how the big leagues can be if you don't execute."
JEFF SEIDEL: Secret of Reese Olson? That blank baby face with rosy cheeks hides a burning desire
Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Jack Flaherty (9) pitches in the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Comerica Park in Detroit on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
His four-seam fastball whiff rate has dropped from 23.9% in 2024 to 11% in 2025, including zero whiffs on eight swings May 10 in the Tigers' 10-3 loss to the Texas Rangers . The velocity, movement and spin efficiency remain virtually unchanged from last season, but the fastball is suddenly inconsistent.
Advertisement
So, why is this happening?
The drop-off in effectiveness stems from Flaherty's continued struggle to consistently repeat the delivery mechanics that fueled his breakthrough success last season.
He's still searching for a permanent solution, even three months after reporting to spring training.
"I'm still feeling through some things with delivery and timing, so just trying to find where I can repeat it over and over again," Flaherty said. "I'm trying to transfer things over from bullpens to starts. One pitch will be good, and then the next one, maybe not so great. I'm trying to be more consistent."
Advertisement
[ MUST LISTEN: Make "Days of Roar" your go-to Detroit Tigers podcast, available anywhere you listen to podcasts ( Apple , Spotify ) ]
The Tigers noticed mechanical changes in Flaherty's delivery after trading him July 30 to the Los Angeles Dodgers for two prospects at the 2024 trade deadline , which coincided with a drop in strikeouts and a rise in walks.
President of baseball operations Scott Harris pinpointed the issue with Flaherty's delivery.
"I thought his arm action was a little bit more abbreviated," Harris said Feb. 7, after re-signing Flaherty in free agency. "Oftentimes, that's a mechanical issue. I thought he had a little bit more arm speed earlier I the year with us.
Advertisement
"One thing about Jack is that he's a freak athlete. He makes adjustments so quickly. I don't think that's going to be an issue for us at all."
BREGGY TIME: Did he diss Detroit? Everything Alex Bregman said before facing Tigers post-free agency
The Tigers re-signed Flaherty to a two-year, $35 million contract as spring training approached, only after other teams passed on him in free agency. The deal includes a $10 million escalator clause that boost the total value to $45 million if he makes 15 starts in 2025. He already has eight starts under his belt, so he needs just seven more to trigger the bonus.
But his last three outings have been underwhelming.
Advertisement
"I'm trying to get everything in sync right now," Flaherty said.
Over those three starts, Flaherty has an 8.56 ERA — allowing four runs in five innings April 28 against the Houston Astros , five runs (four earned runs) in 5⅔ innings May 3 against the Los Angeles Angels and five runs in three innings May 10 against the Rangers.
Facing the Rangers, Flaherty allowed four home runs — all to left-handed hitters — for the first time in his nine-year MLB career, spanning 167 games.
"I think you're surprised any time you only last three innings in a game," Flaherty said.
To bounce back, Flaherty needs to rediscover the mechanics for his delivery that made him successful, learn to repeat those mechanics consistently in game situations and sharpen the execution of his pitches.
Advertisement
The fastball, in particular, must improve.
"I'm not worried about it," Flaherty said. "I won't stop until I figure it out."
Contact Evan Petzold at epetzold@freepress.com or follow him @EvanPetzold .
Order your copy of "Roar of 125: The Epic History of the Detroit Tigers !" by the Free Press at Tigers125.PictorialBook.com .
Listen to our weekly Tigers show "Days of Roar" every Monday afternoon on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. And catch all of our podcasts and daily voice briefing at freep.com/podcasts .
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Tigers' Jack Flaherty searching for delivery mechanics
