Dodgers Acquire Jack Flaherty From Tigers For Prospects Thayron Liranzo, Trey Sweeney

Image credit: Jack Flaherty (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)

One of the biggest dominoes at the 2024 MLB trade deadline has finally fallen.

As first reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan, Tigers pitcher Jack Flaherty, one of the most highly-coveted arms on the market, is headed to the Dodgers. According to FanSided.com’s Robert Murray, the return for Flaherty will include a pair of prospects: C Thayron Liranzo and SS Trey Sweeney.

Liranzo, a 21-year-old native of the Dominican Republic, ranked as the Dodgers’ No. 3 prospect in BA’s most recent midseason rankings update, while Sweeney, 24, came in at No. 28. You can find Los Angeles’ full Top 30 list here.

DODGERS RECEIVE

Jack Flaherty, RHP
Age: 28

It’s been a renaissance season for Jack Flaherty in 2024. After signing a one-year, challenge deal with the Tigers for $14 million, Flaherty has rediscovered his command, producing the lowest walk rate of his career up to this point. Upping the usage of his four-seam fastball and slider, he’s bounced back from a dreadful second half of the 2023 season to post some of the best results of his career. Over 18 starts with the Tigers, Flaherty has pitched to a 2.95 ERA supported by ERA estimators like FIP (3.11) and xFIP (2.57) to go along with his highest swinging strike rate since 2020. Arguably the top pitcher moved at the deadline, Flaherty has been moved in consecutive trade deadlines, though his stock is significantly higher in 2024.

TIGERS RECEIVE

Thayron Liranzo, C
Age: 21

Liranzo is an offensive-minded catcher with big-time thump from both sides of the plate. His swing mechanics and overall approach, however, might need a little cleaning up in order to make more contact. Still, he should easily produced 20 or more homers at the highest level. He’s got a strong arm behind the plate that is somewhat muted by a longer arm stroke but is only a marginal receiver. He’s a 20-grade runner who has also seen time at first base and might move there on a permanent basis. In his time at the position, he’s shown solid instincts and hands.

Trey Sweeney, SS
Age: 24

This is the second trade in a year for Sweeney. The Yankees’ 2021 first-round pick was dealt to the Dodgers for Jorbit Vivas last offseason. Sweeney has hit .254/.334/.427 this year as Triple-A Oklahoma’s everyday shortstop. Sweeney ranked 28th on the Dodgers’ updated Top 30 Prospects rankings. The lefty bat did not really fit in the Dodgers’ long-term plans, as his defense is stretched at shortstop, and he doesn’t have a plus tool. He can be a regular in the right situation, but he profiles better as a multi-position backup.