Can the Cardinals rely on Jack Flaherty in 2023?
The future of Cardinals pitcher Jack Flaherty is suddenly becoming a bit of a question mark which seemed unfathomable just a few seasons ago. In 2018 and 2019 the young right hander was coming off back-to-back seasons with xERA’s of 3.25 and 3.38 as well as posting xwOBA’s of .279 in both seasons. He also did a great job of striking batters out as he had K percentages of 29.6 and 29.9 in the two seasons. Additionally, he excelled at limiting hard contact with two straight seasons below 87 MPH and he ranked in the 7th percentile in 2019 with an average exit velo against of 86.6. Although, the last three seasons have been a complete 180 degree turn for the former first round pick. Down below we are going to look at what went wrong and to try and project what the Cards will get out of him come 2023.