Jack Flaherty’s new asking price could make him Dodgers' perfect Roki Sasaki Plan B

The Roki Sasaki chase is nearing its apex. The international signing period begins on Jan. 15, and although Sasaki isn't expected to sign immediately, he's already started to go down the list and scratch off teams.

The Dodgers, Padres, Cubs, Rangers, Giants, Yankees, Mets, and Blue Jays were all confirmed to have held in-person meetings with Sasaki, with the Blue Jays coming in as a late, dark horse contender. On Jan. 13, The Rangers, Giants, Yankees, and Mets (and Diamondbacks, though they were never really connected as a serious option) were all told Sasaki wouldn't be signing with them.

It looks like it's going to come down to the Dodgers and Padres, as expected. Although a report that was quickly clowned upon by Twitter users suggested Sasaki was leaning toward the Dodgers ("65% likely to reach an agreement,") it's really anyone's guess.

The Dodgers have already taken steps to give Sasaki as much money from the bonus pool as possible, which included shopping two prospects to whom they'd already committed a combined $1.5 million. Shortstop Darrell Morel was quickly taken by the Pirates.

However, if Sasaki ends up in San Diego (*shudder*), the Dodgers could have a clear, familiar replacement still waiting for a home on the free agent market. Jack Flaherty has reportedly adjusted his asking price to fewer years and a higher average annual value (AAV,) which could make the Dodgers more amenable to having him back (subscription required).

Jack Flaherty could be Dodgers' contingency plan if Roki Sasaki ends up somewhere else

The question would be if the Dodgers would really want another starting pitcher who isn't Sasaki. With either of them, LA would have eight starting pitchers. Either Dustin May or Tony Gonsolin are already likely to get bumped to the bullpen when Clayton Kershaw and Shohei Ohtani are both ready to pitch in 2025, but sacrificing both could be something the Dodgers are only willing to do for Sasaki.

Still, if they took him back on, the Dodgers could use Flaherty as a trade piece at the deadline if he performs well enough, which would make space for Kershaw, who is likely to mimic his 2024 return and come back during the summer.

Flaherty is arguably the best starting pitcher still on the market and has been connected to both the Braves and Orioles as his free agency draws out. The Dodgers don't really need him, but they could take him on as some extra reassurance for a rotation that took way too many hits with injuries last year.