MLB analyst predicts ex-Dodgers free agent will top Pete Alonso’s contract

Former LA Dodgers hurler Jack Flaherty’s next contract should surpass that of free agent first baseman Pete Alonso’s, analyst and former big leaguer Dallas Braden believes. During Saturday's episode of the "Baseball Is Dead" podcast, host Jared Carrabis and the panel discussed the possibility of Flaherty earning more in free agency than Alonso.

The discussion focused on how righty ace Corbin Burnes' signing with the Arizona Diamondbacks now clears the field for other free agents to sign, like Flaherty, Alonso and Alex Bregman. In particular, Braden said:

“I think Flaherty... I’m going to say that Flaherty wins out on both fronts.”

By “both fronts,” Braden refers to Carrabis’ question regarding whether Jack Flaherty gets more years and dollars than Pete Alonso.

Braden expanded on his thoughts regarding what Flaherty and Alonso can expect from their next contracts, saying:

“I think both of these deals are heavily incentive-laden, with some escalators in there. And, that’s going to be the difference between opt-outs and escalators.”

Braden’s comments underscored the fact that both Flaherty and Alonso are likely looking at their last chance to score a massive free-agent deal. As such, teams are likely to build in a number of incentives to bolster the contracts’ overall value.

However, there is no indication when either Flaherty or Alonso may sign. While both players have garnered interest from various clubs across the league, neither seems close to signing a deal.

Jack Flaherty may bolt Dodgers for state rival

At the outset of the offseason, the thought was that Jack Flaherty would re-sign with Los Angeles. However, that situation appears to have changed with the Dodgers bringing in Blake Snell. While Snell’s signing does not preclude Flaherty from returning to the Dodgers, reports suggest Flaherty could move to another California team.

Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller reported that Flaherty could sign with the LA Angels. In particular, the report suggests that the Angels could dish out as much as $72 million for the right-hander. While the term is unclear, the dollar value implies the deal could be somewhere in the four- to five-year range.

Flaherty spent time with the Detroit Tigers and Dodgers last season. He totaled a 13-7 record with a 3.17 ERA in 28 starts, accumulating a 3.1 WAR. However, he racked up a 2.4 WAR in Detroit, while only a 0.7 WAR in Los Angeles, per Baseball Reference.

Perhaps that lower WAR rating is what might be keeping the Dodgers from bringing Flaherty back, at least at his asking price.

It’s worth pointing out that after re-signing Teoscar Hernandez this past week, the Dodgers are likely done handing out large contracts. So, if Flaherty returns, it could be for a lower-than-expected deal.

Thus, Jack Flaherty may look for a more lucrative contract elsewhere. It remains to be seen which teams may be willing to meet Flaherty’s asking price.