Jack Flaherty Rumors: Dodgers looming over Yankees as threat to clinch Tigers' starter in final hours before deadline, per insider

The Los Angeles Dodgers are looming over the New York Yankees as a threat to a possible Jack Flaherty deal before the deadline closes at 6 PM ET on July 30 (Tuesday).

Flaherty was scratched off from Monday's game by the Tigers and that stirred up the recent rumors about the starter's possible departure from the club.

Right now, it seems that there are two clubs, the Dodgers and the Yankees, who are currently leading the race for the 28-year-old right-handed pitcher's signature. However, the San Diego Padres and the Houston Astros are also there in the mix.

According to The Athletic's Cody Stavenhagen, the Tigers are yet to have any concrete deal on the table regarding Flaherty. The Yankees are interested in the starter's services but the Dodgers can overtake it and clinch the player.

“As of Monday night, the Tigers still had not completed a deal involving Flaherty,” Cody Stavenhagen wrote. “Detroit was believed to be in negotiations with clubs including the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers.

“The Tigers had engaged in trade talks with teams, including the San Diego Padres and Houston Astros, over the weekend, but nothing came to fruition.”

Although there have been rumors of communications between the Tigers and the Yankees over Flaherty's possible move to the Bronx stadium, a deal didn't pan out. However, it seems 'Flaherty in pinstripes' is still a possibility in the final hours before the deadline closes

As for the Dodgers, it is an interesting fit for the starter. The team needed versatility and has got that with signings like Tampa Bay Rays' Amed Rosario and St. Louis Cardinals' Tommy Edman.

Now, it needs a few fixes in the rotation because of the injuries to the likes of Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Walker Buehler and the rest. Flaherty could be a perfect candidate to fill those holes as the team targets postseason success.

Yankees hold "extensive trade talks" with Tigers over possible Jack Flaherty move

The New York Yankees are in "extensive trade talks" with Tigers for acquiring starter Jack Flaherty, as per insider Bob Nightengale. The New York-based club has recently asked Detroit about the player's availability and held conversations over bringing him to the Bronx before the trade deadline closes.

"The New York Yankees are in extensive trade talks for Tigers starter Jack Flaherty, and plan to trade starter Nestor Cortes if they land Flaherty."

The Yankees' left-handed starter Nestor Cortes could be on his way out of the club if it lands Flaherty before the deadline is closed. Cortes has made 22 starts this season for the Yankees with a 4-9 record, 4.13 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 116 strikeouts.

Flaherty, on the other hand, has had a good season so far, making 18 starts for his side so far, with a 7-2 record, an ERA of 2.95, a WHIP of 2.96 and 133 strikeouts. He could be a good starter option for the Bombers as it looks to fight its way out of its recent slump and get to the postseason.