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Detroit Tigers right-hander Jack Flaherty declined to opt out of his contract and will return to the team in 2026 on a $20 million salary, sources told ESPN on Tuesday.

While Flaherty could have voided the deal for next year, he would have been subject to a potential qualifying offer from the Tigers and the uncertainty of the free agent market coming off a down season.

Flaherty, 30, posted another stellar strikeout total in 2025 but nonetheless suffered the most losses in the American League with 15. His propensity to give up home runs — he allowed 23 in 161 innings — caused his ERA to balloon to 4.64.

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His return to Detroit helps stabilize the Tigers’ rotation in an offseason of potentially seismic change. While the Tigers have no plans to trade soon-to-be two-time Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal, his impending free agency following the 2026 season will prompt teams to pursue potential trades over the winter, sources told ESPN.

Beyond Skubal and Flaherty, the Tigers return right-hander Casey Mize, standout rookie Troy Melton and right-hander Reese Olson, who missed much of 2025 with a shoulder injury. Detroit, which used 36 pitchers and three position players on the mound this season, finished 87-75.

Following a wild card series win over Cleveland — which overtook Detroit in the final month of the season to capture the AL Central crown — the Tigers were ousted in the division series by Seattle.

Flaherty’s first go-around in Detroit in 2024 was a smashing success, with a 2.95 ERA and 133 strikeouts against 19 walks in 106.2 innings. He was traded at the deadline to the Los Angeles Dodgers, for whom he started five postseason games en route to a World Series title.

He returned in free agency to Detroit on a two-year, $35 million contract. The deal paid Flaherty $25 million this year and included a second year for $10 million. When he passed the 15-start mark this season, the salary doubled.

The comfort Flaherty found with manager A.J. Hinch and pitching coaches Chris Fetter and Robin Lund hastened his desire to return. While Flaherty’s fastball velocity has always been average, the growth across the sport rendered his 92.8 mph average in the 26th percentile among pitchers. Nonetheless, Flaherty’s superior off-speed pitches allowed him to strike out 188 with 59 walks.

Over a nine-year career, Flaherty is 63-56 with a 3.80 ERA and 1,130 strikeouts against 351 walks in 990â…” innings.

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Former Pakistan captain Sana Mir (X) Former Pakistan captain Sana Mir continued her role on the commentary panel for the high-profile Womenâ€s World Cup 2025 clash between India and Pakistan at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday, despite facing widespread criticism for a previous on-air remark referencing “Azad Kashmir.†India are taking on Pakistan in their second league match of the ICC tournament. The controversy originated during Pakistanâ€s opener against Bangladesh last Thursday. While discussing batter Natalia Pervaizâ€s background, Mir said: “…captaining a very young side. Yes, they have won the qualifiers, but a lot of these players are new. Natalia, who comes from Kashmir, Azad Kashmir, plays in Lahore a lot cricket. She has to come to Lahore to play most of her cricket there.†Her comment drew heavy criticism online, with many social media users urging the ICC to remove her from the panel, accusing her of politicising the broadcast. In response, Mir clarified the matter, stressing that her statement had been exaggerated and misinterpreted. Taking to X, she wrote: “Itâ€s unfortunate how things are being blown out of proportion and people in sports are being subjected to unnecessary pressure. It is sad that this requires an explanation at public level. My comment about a Pakistan player’s hometown was only meant to highlight the challenges she faced from a certain region in Pakistan and her incredible journey. It is part of the storytelling we do as commentators, showing where players come from. I did the same for two other players from other regions. Please donâ€t politicise it. On the World Feed, our focus is the sport, teams, and players, highlighting grit and perseverance. There is no malice in my heart or intention to hurt sentiments.†She also shared a screenshot showing the sources she used to research players, noting that the information had since been updated. Despite the scrutiny, Mir remained part of the commentary panel for Pakistanâ€s second match against India. While she did not appear on Star Sports, Indiaâ€s official Womenâ€s World Cup broadcaster, a screenshot from the Pakistan broadcast circulated online, showing her alongside former India captain Mithali Raj, discussing the game immediately after the toss. In the match, Pakistan won the toss and chose to bowl first. India made one change to their lineup, bringing in Renuka Thakur for Amanjot.

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