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Jack Flaherty - Los Angeles Dodgers
When Jack Flaherty threw seven shutout innings in game 1 of the NLCS, silencing a Mets lineup that tore through the Phillies' bullpen, Cardinals fans once again looked away as it looked like another estranged Cardinal would take home Championship Series MVP. Nope, that's someone else on this list! However, Flaherty's dominance did lead many to wonder why he didn't get a chance to pitch instead of Alex Reyes in the 2021 Wild Card game or the 2022 Wild Card Series over Andre Pallante. He showed us why in game 5.
What looked like 2019 Jack Flaherty in game 1 quickly transformed into 2023 Jack Flaherty in game 5 as his velocity was down, he couldn't command his pitches, and he allowed a whopping 8 runs in just 3 innings, sending the series back to Los Angeles for game 6. While many, including myself, questioned Roberts' decision to start Flaherty on short rest and while he was reportedly "under the weather," the Dodger bullpen and the high-powered offense locked down the series, securing a date with the Yankees.
Like his time with the Cardinals, Flaherty's performance this Postseason with his hometown team has been complicated. He's had two extremely rough starts, but one near-perfect start. Knowing Flaherty, he won't be satisfied with his performance so far, and he'll bring the edge into the World Series he was known for in St. Louis. With a full rotation of All-Star pitchers on the IL, the Dodgers need Flaherty to be the ace of the staff moving into a championship matchup against three of the best hitters in baseball.