Why Baltimore Orioles Shouldn’t Re-Sign Ryan Flaherty

Former Baltimore Orioles infielder Ryan Flaherty has been released by the Philadelphia Phillies yesterday so of course, the Orioles have interest.

The Ryan Flaherty era with the Baltimore Orioles came to an end after the Orioles granted him free agency following the 2017 season.

A few months later, Flaherty signed with the Philadelphia Phillies before being released by the team just a week before Opening Day baseball. Does this mean a rebirth with the Orioles in 2018? Most likely not.

The former Orioles utility player spent the six seasons in Baltimore, but the Orioles should NOT re-sign him. Let me just say that he was very valuable to the team, but is now to move on.

More from Baltimore Orioles

• What other Baltimore Orioles Offseason Storylines will you be interested in seeing?
• Baltimore Orioles to Face Numerous Playoff Contenders Down the Stretch
• Baltimore Orioles Showing Encouraging Signs During Recent Wins
• The Baltimore Orioles and the Expanded September Roster
• Orioles Josh Rogers Expectations in his Major League Debut

I understand that Buck Showalter valued him and loved him for his versatility and defensive skills. However, since Flaherty appeared 102 games in 2014, his playing time has rapidly decreased.

In fact, many pictured Flaherty as the Orioles second baseman of the future following Brian Roberts departure. He never really cemented himself as a full-time player.

He played his ass off in 2014 when Manny Machado went down with another knee injury and made some great plays in the playoffs, but you could never count on him at the plate. As an Orioles fan, I always hoped that Flaherty could’ve been better on offense, but he never got to that point.

It’s time for the Orioles to find another utility player like Ryan Flaherty.  I’m just spitballing here, but Adam Lind is available. He played a few different positions as a Washington National in 2017 and he has a nice bat. He’d be a great addition to the Baltimore Orioles roster.

I know Flaherty was a fan favorite in Baltimore, but at a certain time, you have to move on from players who never live up to expectations.  His roster spot could go to someone with a better track record like Danny Valencia who has been clutch in his career.  The only thing hindering Valencia is his middle infield skills, but I think he’s working on that now.

Next: 5 Bold Predictions for the Orioles 2018 Season

If Baltimore does decide to re-sign Flaherty, it’s going to come to the disappointment of Orioles fans. Despite hitting .351/.390/.514 with a home run and eight RBIs this spring with the Phillies, it’d be difficult for Flaherty to find playing time.