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

On November 1st, the entire city of Los Angeles seemed to come out and celebrate 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 fan response was and how much he loved Freddie Freeman, World Series MVP.

“It’s amazing,” Flaherty said. “Like seeing pictures of Freddie everywhere, Freddie is a f***ing man, I love that guy. I’d give him a kiss right now. The city showing up, it’s amazing.”

Growing up just outside of Los Angeles, Flaherty was always surprised by the city’s reaction and the large number of people.

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

This phrase remained particularly poignant, given that Flaherty enters free agency after this season.

Flaherty did not start this season as a Dodger. Instead, he signed a one-year, $14 million deal 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 dealt to the Dodgers in exchange for two minor league prospects: catcher Theyron Liranzo and shortstop Trey Sweeney.

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

Flaherty’s postseason with the Dodgers was not 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 National League 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 the first game against the Yankees. After blanking them for five innings, Flaherty allowed a two-run homer 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 led many fans to think 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 an excellent pitcher who played a significant role in the Dodgers reaching the postseason.

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.

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