The Philadelphia Phillies may want to consider targeting this Detroit Tigers pitcher instead of Tarik Skubal.
The Philadelphia Phillies could definitely stand to bolster the back end of their starting rotation, as things get pretty iffy once you get past their big three of Cristopher Sanchez, Zack Wheeler and Jesus Luzardo.
Andrew Painter was optioned to Triple-A after a horrendous start to the season, and Aaron Nola looks to be cooked.
The Phillies need an outfield bat more than anything else before the MLB trade deadline, but they also really need to add another starter.
While Tarik Skubal is viewed as their top potential target, a trade for the two-time defending AL Cy Young award winner just isn't very realistic. That is, of course, unless Philadelphia wants to gut what's left of its farm system only to watch Skubal bolt for free agency months later.
And to be quite frank, the Phillies might not even have enough to acquire Skubal even if they did surrender a substantial package to the Detroit Tigers.
The Tigers do have another pitcher, however, who might interest Philadelphia: a much cheaper option in Jack Flaherty.
Detroit Tigers pitcher Jack Flaherty. Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images.Flaherty has not been great in 2026, owning a 4.60 ERA through 17 starts. But his peripherals indicate that he may be falling victim to bad luck.
The 30-year-old lays claim to a 3.76 FIP, and his .324 BABIP is a clear sign that he is getting a bit unlucky.
Flaherty is also still striking hitters out, boasting a 10.8 K/9. Command has been a bit of an issue (4.4 BB/9), but the stuff is still clearly there.
Considering that Flaherty is headed toward free agency after the season and obviously isn't Skubal, the Phillies wouldn't have to break the bank to acquire him.
Flaherty certainly wouldn't be anyone's favorite solution, but he represents a sensible option for a Philadelphia squad that doesn't exactly have a whole lot in terms of valuable trade chips.
The right-hander also has plenty of postseason experience, having won a World Series with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2024.
Skubal will be everyone's No. 1 target between now and Aug. 3, but just how realistic is a Skubal trade for the Phils?
Flaherty would definitely comprise the more likely candidate, and he would absolutely improve the Phillies' rotation.
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