Detroit Tigers fans were left reeling after reports surfaced that pitcher Jack Flaherty, a linchpin of the team’s rotation, has agreed to a new contract worth nearly $50 million over two years, with an opt-out clause after 2025. The deal, confirmed by sources close to the negotiations, has sparked both shock and concern among the fanbase, given Flaherty’s pivotal role in Detroit’s 2024 playoff run. In response to the swirling uncertainty, Flaherty issued a succinct five-word statement: “I’m here to win now.”

Flaherty, 29, revitalized his career in Detroit after signing a one-year, $14 million contract in December 2023. In 2024, he delivered a 3.17 ERA with 194 strikeouts over 162 innings across 28 starts, split between the Tigers and the Los Angeles Dodgers after a midseason trade. His 7-5 record and 2.95 ERA in 18 starts with Detroit showcased his resurgence, driven by a refined slider and a fastball averaging 94 mph. His postseason heroics, including five scoreless innings in Game 1 of the World Series for the Dodgers, elevated his market value. The new deal, reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan, includes a $5 million signing bonus, $20 million for 2025, and a $10 million player option for 2026 that could escalate to $20 million with 15 starts in 2025, potentially reaching $45 million with incentives.

The contract’s opt-out clause has fueled anxiety among Tigers fans, who fear losing Flaherty after one season, especially with Tarik Skubal’s free agency looming post-2026. Posts on X capture the sentiment, with one fan writing, “Flaherty’s back, but that opt-out? Heartbreak waiting to happen.” Another expressed cautious optimism: “$50M keeps him for now, but we need a ring.” Flaherty’s statement, “I’m here to win now,” delivered via a team press release, aims to quell these concerns, reinforcing his commitment to Detroit, where he credits pitching coaches Chris Fetter and Robin Lund for his turnaround.

The Tigers’ rotation, featuring Skubal, Reese Olson, Alex Cobb, and prospect Jackson Jobe, remains a strength with Flaherty’s return, positioning Detroit as AL Central contenders after their 2024 ALDS appearance. However, the opt-out clause mirrors Flaherty’s high-stakes approach, as he bets on another strong season to re-enter free agency at 30. Tigers president Scott Harris called the deal “strategic,” balancing Flaherty’s value against the risk of injury, which sidelined him in the past. The New York Yankees’ 2024 trade hesitation over Flaherty’s back issues underscores this concern, though the Dodgers cleared him medically.

Flaherty’s journey—from a 4.99 ERA in 2023 with the Cardinals and Orioles to a Detroit standout—has endeared him to fans. His adjustments, like ditching his cutter and refining his delivery, made him a reliable No. 2 starter behind Skubal, who praised him on “Foul Territory” as a clutch performer. Yet, the contract’s structure raises questions about long-term stability. If Flaherty excels, he could opt out, leaving Detroit with a draft pick but no guarantee of retention. If injuries recur, the Tigers face financialestres de pagar.

For now, Flaherty’s pledge to win in Detroit offers hope. His 2024 performance, including a 1.93 ERA in September, suggests he’s primed for impact. As spring training looms, fans cling to his words, hoping his return signals a championship push, even as the opt-out clause casts a shadow over the Tigers’ future.