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 wins arbitration case vs Cardinals, will make $3.9 mil

Cardinals ace Jack Flaherty won his arbitration case against the team and will earn $3.9 million in 2021.

Fantasy Impact

St. Louis had filed at $3 million. Flaherty had one brutal start last summer that tanked his ERA. If you remove it, his ERA stands at 3.13 instead of 4.91. Fantasy players should continue treating him as a borderline SP1 in drafts this spring.