Jack Flaherty is staying with the Detroit Tigers.

Flaherty exercised his $20 million contract option to return to the Tigers for the 2026 season on Tuesday.

ESPN’s Jeff Passan first reported the news.

The starting pitcher previously signed with Detroit on a two-year contract worth $35 million before the start of his 2025 campaign. While Flaherty’s 2026 option was initially set at $10 million, it rose to $20 million after he reached 15 starts.

Flaherty’s decision comes as a bit of a surprise, as Passan predicted that he would opt on Sept. 4.

The 30-year-old was projected to serve as a top option behind Tarik Skubal in the Tigers’ 2025 rotation, but failed to exceed expectations.

Flaherty went 8-15 with a 4.64 ERA and a 1.280 WHIP in 31 starts, striking out 188 batters in 161 innings..

He made three appearances during the postseason, going 0-1 while allowing five runs (four eaned on seven hits and eight walks in 10 innings of work, striking out 12.

Still, there are signs that the right-hander can bounce back in 2026. Flaherty racked up 188 strikeouts in 161 innings of work despite his disappointing overall production, while his track record should provide some optimism moving forward.

He owned a 3.63 ERA for his career heading into the 2025 season, averaging 10.2 strikeouts per nine innings.

Flaherty was also impressive during his brief stint with the Tigers to open the 2024 season, posting a 6-2 record to go along with a 2.95 ERA in 18 starts. He was eventually traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers to close out the year, winning a World Series title before joining Detroit once again in free agency.

As the Tigers chase their third consecutive postseason appearance in 2026, Flaherty will be part of their rotation once again.