The Cardinals may go shopping for a starting pitcher on a prove-it deal this offseason, and Jack Flaherty’s name has already been tossed into the mix.
It makes sense on paper. St.
Louis has done this before, including with Dustin May last year, and Will Leitch of MLB.com floated Flaherty as a possible reunion candidate. The right-hander spent 2017-23 with the Cardinals and even drew Cy Young votes in 2019, but injuries have followed him ever since.
There’s still upside there, and that always keeps a pitcher like Flaherty in the conversation.
But not everyone in the Cardinals orbit is sold on the idea.
Former Cardinal Lance Lynn pushed back hard on the fit, saying, "The question you have to ask yourself on Jack is, there's a reason why he keeps getting one-year deals and there's a reason why you traded him when you traded him," Lynn said. "Is bringing that back in going to be good for what you're building, or will it be a problem?
I like Jack, he's had great stuff when healthy and doing his thing, but all of that coaching staff is still there from when he got traded. He got traded for a reason.
I don't think it's a fit to be honest with you."
Lynn also suggested there could still be some friction if Flaherty were to return, saying he doesn't expect "a kumbaya, big warm hugs" if he comes back to St. Louis.
The front office is different now, with Chaim Bloom in charge instead of John Mozeliak, so that changes the backdrop a bit. Still, Flaherty may have other priorities, especially if he wants to pitch for a contender.
In the Cardinals’ case, the injury history matters. May was at least close to putting things together and was finally healthy for a full season in 2026, which gives him a stronger case as a comeback option.
Flaherty, meanwhile, is over 30 and carries more risk than reward if St. Louis is weighing a reunion.
He also has a more positive track record with the Milwaukee Brewers in their chase for a World Series title, which only strengthens the sense that the Cardinals may have better alternatives.
So Bloom has a decision to make, but Flaherty doesn’t sound like the cleanest answer. He can be mentioned as a prove-it possibility, sure. Just don’t count on the reunion happening.
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