St. Louis Cardinals News: Jack Flaherty wins arbitration case

The St. Louis Cardinals could not agree on a 2021 contract salary with pitcher Jack Flaherty before the arbitration deadline, meaning the two sides would get together for a hearing on Feb. 5 to determine what he will earn this upcoming season.

Flaherty defeated the Cardinals in arbitration, a source told FanSided’s Robert Murray. He will earn $3.9 million in ‘21 after the Cardinals argued he should earn $3 million, respectively.

Immediately following the outcome, Flaherty sent multiple tweets indicating his satisfaction with the outcome — while perhaps hinting at some frustration with the Cardinals. The argument could be made, of course, that it could impact how Flaherty approaches free agency when his contract expires in a few seasons. After all, there have been little to no productive conversations about a contract extension between the two sides.

But the most likely outcome is that this hearing will have no impact on Flaherty’s future in St. Louis. Perhaps it could lead the Cardinals to more aggressively pursue an extension with their promising young right-hander so they avoid going to another hearing.

Once the season starts, Flaherty will step in as the Cardinals ace. While he struggled last season, both the team and player are optimistic he is in for a bounce back season — and perhaps a leap toward becoming one of the best pitchers in the National League.

Now that he is signed, he can focus his full attention on spring training with the day pitchers and catchers report drawing even closer. It will prove critical for both sides as he is instrumental in what the Cardinals hope can be the start of a deep playoff run.