Jack Flaherty

Flaherty ended up with a 4.91 ERA, but that hardly represents his actual performance, given that he allowed nine runs in a three-inning start in September. If you take out that outing, Flaherty had just a 3.13 ERA, and he didn't allow more than three earned runs in any of his eight other starts. Given that Flaherty's season was shorter than most due to the Cardinals' COVID-19 issues, it's fair to essentially throw out at that one abysmal outing, considering his other numbers were relatively consistent from 2019. Indeed, his swinging strike rate improved, as did his K/9 rate and ground ball percentage. With his devastating slider, Flaherty should still be considered one of the top pitchers in the real and fantasy game, and is capable of fronting a fantasy staff.

Jack Flaherty named Opening Day starter for Cardinals

MLB Network's Jon Heyman reports that Cardinals manager Mike Shildt has confirmed Jack Flaherty will be the team's Opening Day starter against Cincinnati.

Fantasy Impact

Not much of a surprise here, as Flaherty is the unquestioned ace of the Cardinals staff and was the Opening Day starter last season as well. Don't let last season's 4.91 ERA fool you, as Flaherty pitched to a much-more respectable 3.13 ERA when you remove one awful outing (9 ER against MIL). Flaherty is currently the SP #11 in FantasyPros Expert Consensus Rankings, but the 25-year-old's pedigree and track record suggest he could certainly outperform his current ADP.