Jake Arrieta has dazzled Chicago Cubs fans, as well as teammates, over the years with his amazing skill and multiple great moments. But now, Arrieta is moving on, signing a three-year deal with the Philadelphia Phillies. The Cubs had offered Arrieta a qualifying offer for one year worth $17.4 million, but Arrieta declined that offer.
Jake Arrieta Signs With Phillies
The #Phillies have signed Jake Arrieta to a 3-year deal
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) March 11, 2018
Arrieta’s Career
Arrieta actually did not start his career with the Cubs as some may think. Drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the 5th round in 2007, Arrieta played four years for Baltimore, gaining a grotesque 5.48 ERA with 277 strikeouts in that time. During the 2013 season, Arrieta was traded to the Cubs, along with Pedro Strop, in exchange for Steve Clevenger and Scott Feldman. The Orioles also acquired two international signing bonus slots.
Arrieta’s Career in Chicago
After the trade, Arrieta thrived in the Cubs system, winning a Cy Young in 2015 and becoming a World Champion in 2016. Arrieta also was an All-Star in 2016. In his time with the Cubs, Arrieta took the initiative and completely turned around his career. The ace out of Missouri had a 2.73 ERA in five years with the Cubs during the regular season with 793 strikeouts. Arrieta, in the postseason, was a huge part in the Cubs World Series win and in their other postseason performances in 2015 and 2017. His postseason stats with the Cubs are just as impressive. In nine appearances in the three postseason runs, Arrieta put together a nice 3.08 ERA with 66 strikeouts.
The Impact
For the Cubs, they lose their star pitcher. Arrieta was not only a great pitcher who always gave them a chance to win the game, but he was a favorite among many Cubs fans as well as his teammates. Not to mention that replacing a Cy Young winner is not an easy task. The Cubs front office have lots of work to do to try and replace him.
For the Phillies, they gain the pitching stability they so desperately wanted. Arrieta will be able to come in and make this team a true championship contender once again. They also have a beautiful ace that they want to add to their rotation.
This deal is something that we’ll have to see if it paid off, but for the Cubs, this is a gigantic loss. Arrieta gets a new start, and a place to finally be the star. Arrieta hopes to be a piece of another championship team in the near future.
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