Jack Flaherty Trade Would Instantly Improve Astros' Title Hopes Amid MLB Rumors

The Houston Astros roared back from a 10-game deficit to surpass the Seattle Mariners for the top spot in the AL West, but it is not enough to lead the division shortly after the All-Star break. The team closest to a modern dynasty understands the grueling road to the World Series more than any other in MLB and according to reports, is eyeing players who can get them there.

MLB.com's Jon Morosi reported that the team is discussing a trade for Tigers right-handed pitcher Jack Flaherty.

Astros starter Ronel Blanco has been excellent in 2024, with an ERA of just 2.75 and 105 strikeouts. He also has an April no-hitter, with two other close calls to go along with it this season.

Framber Valdez has been steady and Hunter Brown leads the team in Ks with 118, making for a fairly talented rotation. Throw in reliever Josh Hader and there is already plenty to like about Astros pitching in 2024.

A neck injury has sidelined future Hall of Famer Justin Verlander since mid-June. With no guarantee that he will return to the dominant force he has long been on the mound, the team could use one more veteran arm to round things out and further strengthen their rotation in the back half of the season.

Add in the fact that Cristian Javier and José Urquidy are both currently on the 60-day IL and you have a team that needs another veteran presence in the starting rotation.

Enter Flaherty, who has enjoyed a career renaissance this year for the Tigers.

The 28-year-old out of Burbank, California has seven wins in 18 appearances, an ERA of 2.95, a boatload of strikeouts at 133, and a WHIP of 0.93. Opponents on-base percentage is .253 and he is averaging 11.22 strikeouts per nine innings, an impressive number for anyone.

Most impressive might be his 1.27 home runs per nine innings and 1.60 walks per nine, indicating some of the best control of his career.

He has had a strong season for a bad Tigers team and figures to be one of the most sought-after pieces in the trade market ahead of the July 31 deadline.

Adding him to the roster enhances the Astros' chances of returning to the World Series and making it two out of the last three.

Offense may be all of the rage in the Majors these days but pitching and being able to slow those bats is still the root of any championship campaign. Houston knows and already has a strong starting rotation, and is looking to improve it in pursuit of its next title.

It is wise to look into someone like Flaherty, who is hot and can hopefully keep it up, especially when the greatest threat to the Astros winning their division is a Seattle team with a seemingly nonexistent offense.

Bring in Flaherty, add him to the mix, and hope to have back Urquidy and Javier in time for the late-season stretch. If so, the Astros will have all the firepower they need from the mound to go on a legitimate run and, potentially, win a third World Series title since 2017.