Jack Flaherty briefly addresses Free Agency during the Dodgers World Series Parade

The Los Angeles Dodgers do World Series Champions after defeating the New York Yankees in a 7-6 comeback victory in Game 5.

On November 1, the entire city of Los Angeles seemed to come out to celebrate the victory during the Dodgers World Series victory parade.

During an interview on one of the many double-decker buses, pitcher Jack Flaherty revealed how incredible the fans’ reaction was and how much he loved him. World Series MVP Freddie Freeman.

“This is unbelievable,” Flaherty said. “As I see pictures of Freddie everywhere, Freddie is a crazy man, I love that guy. I would kiss him right now. The city that shows itself, it’s incredible.”

Flaherty grew up just outside Los Angeles and was still surprised by the city’s response and the sheer amount of people.

“I love this city. I never want to leave… I never want to leave.”

This line remained particularly poignant as Flaherty heads to free agency after this season.

Flaherty did not start this season as a Dodger. Instead, he had signed a one-year, $14 million contract with the Detroit Tigers. In 18 starts with Detroit, Flaherty was 7-5 with a 2.95 ERA and 133 strikeouts in 106.2 innings pitched.

Flaherty was sent to the Dodgers in exchange for two minor league prospects: catcher Theyron Liranzo and shortstop Trey Sweeney.

This turned out to be a great asset for Los Angeles. Flaherty started 10 games for the Dodgers and posted a 6-2 record with a 3.58 ERA and 61 strikeouts over 55.1 innings pitched. Overall, he had a 3.17 ERA and 194 strikeouts in the 2024 season.

Flaherty’s postseason with the Dodgers wasn’t nearly as impressive. His first start came in Game 2 of the 2024 National League Divisional Series against the San Diego Padres. He allowed four runs in 5.1 innings, ultimately leading to a 2-10 loss.

Flaherty redeemed himself in a start against the New York Mets, pitching seven innings and recording a 2.92 ERA and six strikeouts in a 9-0 shutout.

Unfortunately, his next start in the NL Championship Series was not as successful, with Flaherty allowing eight runs in three innings, resulting in a 12-6 loss.

Despite this start, Flaherty started Game 1 against the Yankees. After shutting them out for five innings, Flaherty allowed a two-run home run in the sixth inning. Still, the Dodgers won 6-3.

Flaherty’s last start came in the final game of the World Series. However, his start left many fans thinking the match was over before it started. In 1.1 innings, Flaherty allowed four runs on two home runs.

Although Flaherty had a mixed performance in the postseason, there is no doubt that he is a great pitcher who was instrumental in the Dodgers reaching the playoffs.

While it’s unclear where free agency will take him, there’s no doubt that Flaherty and his fans would love to see him back in Los Angeles.

More evaders: Yankees wanted Freddie Freeman in Free Agency, but Dodgers Star didn’t want to go to New York