Offseason Movements: Flaherty, Santander, and Raley Garner Interest
As the baseball offseason heats up, several notable names in the free-agent market are drawing significant attention. Among them, pitcher Jack Flaherty finds himself at a pivotal juncture in his career, evaluating short-term deals with attractive average annual values. Flaherty, who most recently split his season with the Detroit Tigers and the Los Angeles Dodgers, is exploring his options in pursuit of maximizing his on-field performance and financial gains.
Flaherty has shown fluctuations in his performance over the last three years, with ERA+ scores of 93, 87, and 127. These numbers highlight his potential and intermittence, as teams consider the kind of impact he can have on a pitching rotation. With these considerations, front offices are likely weighing the benefits of bolstering their pitching staff with Flaherty on a potentially high-reward, short-term contract.
An Offensive Asset: Anthony Santander
Another player capturing the spotlight is Anthony Santander, rated as the 15th-best free agent available this offseason. Santander has built a reputation as a potent offensive player but faces skepticism due to his shortcomings in defense and baserunning. His ability to maintain his high-level offensive production into his 30s is critical as clubs evaluate his long-term value. As Ken Rosenthal succinctly put it, "Unfortunately, Santander doesn't bring much more to the table than his bat: he's not a good defender or baserunner, meaning interested clubs will have to be confident that he can sustain his well-above-average offensive production well into his 30s."
This sentiment echoes the cautious optimism surrounding Santander. His capacity to drive runs and his consistent batting prowess are undeniable assets, yet teams must carefully assess the overall impact he might have on their roster balance and field performance.
Brooks Raley: A Veteran Option
The search for bullpen strength has led both the New York Yankees and the Chicago Cubs to express interest in veteran left-handed reliever Brooks Raley. At 36, Raley's experience is marred by recent challenges, including undergoing Tommy John surgery, which limited his participation to just eight appearances last season. Despite this, his remarkable ERA+ of 153 since the beginning of the 2022 campaign emphasizes his effectiveness when healthy, making him a compelling option for teams aiming to fortify their bullpen.
The decision to pursue Raley will hinge on his recovery, coupled with the trust in his ability to return to form. Both the Yankees and Cubs possess the infrastructure and resources to rehabilitate proficient pitchers, making them front-runners in the Raley sweepstakes.
Atlanta's Gamble on Garrett Cooper
The Atlanta Braves have delved into the free-agent pool, acquiring former All-Star outfielder Garrett Cooper on a minor-league contract for their camp roster. Cooper, aged 34, presents as an interesting, albeit risky, acquisition. His recent statistics, including a batting line of .242/.297/.395 (86 OPS+) over his last 573 plate appearances, illustrate a decline from his peak performances.
This move indicates the Braves' strategy to bolster their depth with experienced players who can potentially offer valuable contributions during the long, arduous season, all without significant financial commitment. Should Cooper rediscover his previous form, this signing could become a low-risk, high-reward scenario for the Braves.
As teams maneuver through the complexities of assembling competitive rosters, these free agents are at the center of strategic discussions. With the upcoming season rapidly approaching, the decisions made in these remaining weeks will shape the narratives for these players and the teams willing to invest in their potential. Whether through Flaherty's pitching prowess, Santander's offensive might, Raley's veteran presence, or Cooper's experience, franchises are diligently preparing to compete at the highest level. The anticipation continues to build as fans and analysts alike await the next wave of impactful signings.