The Chicago Cubs are nearing a reunion with one of their old hurlers and former Cy Young winner Jake Arrieta, according to Jon Morosi of MLB Network.
Jake Arrieta close to signing with the #Cubs, source confirms @JonHeyman report. @MLBNetwork @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) February 12, 2021
Arrieta spent five years with Chicago from 2013 to 2017 before joining the Philadelphia Phillies for the past three seasons. However, a return to the Windy City seems to be in store for the talented right-hander, and the franchise has some shoes to fill after sending away Yu Darvish.
Arrieta likely to get between $6.5-7 mil on a one year deal, per source.
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) February 13, 2021
Arrieta is far from the Cy Young winner he once was, and he didn't live up to expectations the past few years for the Phillies, so that much money should be good news for him.
He had a total of 22 victories and 23 losses in Philly, and in nine games last year he struggled big time as his ERA ended at 5.08.
He was electric for the Cubs and had his best season in 2015, the year he won the Cy Young. He finished 2015 with a 22-6 record and a 1.77 ERA in a career-high 229 innings pitched.
Arrieta joined the Phillies in 2018 and signed a huge three-year deal worth $75 million, and while injuries were a problem, he didn't live up to that contract even remotely. However, Arrieta has appeared to found a job and will be happy to make his way back to Chicago as the 35-year-old hopes for a bit of a career resurgence.
One of the fan favorites in Cubs territory, this should be an exciting move for them after much disappointment in sending Darvish away in a trade with the San Diego Padres.
The Cubs don't look like major players in the National League Central, and for that matter, not many teams do in that division, but the fanbase should be a little bit joyful with the return of Jake Arrieta.
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