Flaherty signed a two-year contract worth up to $45 million. His return creates a new level of competition in the Tigers rotation.

Flaherty returned as a free agent, agreeing to a $35 million, two-year contract that was finalized Friday. The right-hander gets a $5 million signing bonus payable on Feb. 11 pending confirmation of terms between Major League Baseball and the players’ association, and a $20 million salary this year.

Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Jack Flaherty tosses the ball after giving up a triple to Arizona Diamondbacks' Corbin Carroll during the fourth inning of a baseball game Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) AP