Jack Flaherty is back in the fold.

The Detroit Tigers have officially brought Flaherty on board with a two-year contract worth $35 million, which includes an option to opt-out after the 2025 season, as reported by several sources familiar with the contract. The agreement is still subject to a health examination.

In 2025, Flaherty’s earnings will be $25 million.

If he chooses to remain with the team in 2026, his salary will be $10 million, but this amount could rise to $20 million if he makes at least 15 starts. Thus, the total value of the contract could reach up to $45 million over the two years.

The projected starting five for the Tigers on Opening Day in 2025 features Flaherty alongside left-handed pitcher Tarik Skubal (the current American Cy Young Award holder), right-handers Reese Olson, Alex Cobb, and Jackson Jobe. Spring training in Lakeland, Florida, is just 10 days away for pitchers and catchers.

Flaherty is clearly positioned as the No. 2 starter.

“I really like Jack,” Skubal stated on January 25 during the “Foul Territory” show after receiving his Cy Young award. “He’s incredibly talented, and if I’m not on the mound, he’s the guy I want up there for our team. He’s well-respected by everyone in the clubhouse, and I’d love to see him back.”

Flaherty, at 29 years old, finished the 2024 season with a 3.17 ERA, featuring 38 walks and 194 strikeouts over 162 innings during 28 starts split between the Tigers (18 starts) and the Los Angeles Dodgers (10 starts). Under the guidance of pitching coach Chris Fetter and assistant coach Robin Lund, Flaherty refined his pitching style and mechanics, leading to his strongest season since 2019.

Initially, the Tigers traded Flaherty to the Dodgers at the 2024 trade deadline, receiving two prospects in return: catcher Thayron Liranzo and shortstop Trey Sweeney.

In just 14 months, Tigers president of baseball operations Scott Harris has had a notable relationship with Flaherty, signing him on a one-year contract for $14 million in December 2023, trading him to the Dodgers for two prospects in July 2024, and now signing him again for two years with a $35 million contract in February 2025.

“We really value Jack,” Harris stated on November 5. “I’ve mentioned this countless times. He is a remarkably talented athlete with a strong work ethic, and he has shown his ability to adjust. Personally, I’ve loved collaborating with Jack.”

Before finalizing his return to the Tigers, Flaherty expressed enthusiasm about rejoining the team.

“I wished to stay in Detroit,” Flaherty mentioned on January 23 during the “Foul Territory” show when discussing the free-agent process. “We had discussions, and I really enjoyed my time there. The combination of me and Skub was fantastic. We’ve been in talks with them as well as other teams. It would be exciting to return.”