Former Cy Young winner Jake Arrieta, who is currently a free agent, recently conducted an interview with Pardon My Take of Barstool Sports. Arrieta was asked who his favorite pitcher to watch right now is. Arrieta displayed no hesitation in giving his answer.

“I mean it's such an easy question. If everybody on the planet doesn't say Jacob deGrom”

Arrieta paused, and then made one of the boldest claims we've heard in the MLB world in quite some time.

“I've told people this for a couple years, I think he's the best starting pitcher to ever put on the uniform.”

His take was met by a “wow” from the host of the show. I would guess that most listeners had a similar reaction to Jake Arrieta's comments. Is Jacob deGrom the best current pitcher in baseball when healthy? Probably. However, saying he is the best to “ever put on the uniform” is quite the claim.

According to thetoptens.com, Jacob deGrom isn't even listed within the top 10 pitchers of all-time. Their list places Walter Johnson at number one. Is their list the end-all be-all? No. But it is telling of how bold of a claim Arrieta made.

I would argue that deGrom has some of the best stuff of all-time. His increased fastball velocity over the years aligned with his elite breaking pitches certainly makes him one of the most difficult pitchers to face. However, there are many pitchers who have combined winning, longevity, and skill. The injuries are not deGrom's fault, but they have played a major role in his career over the past few seasons.

But everyone is entitled to their opinion, and Jake Arrieta believes Jacob deGrom is the best starting pitcher to ever put on the uniform. Phillies MVP outfielder Bryce Harper recently echoed a similar sentiment to Arrieta in regards to deGrom when he revealed to a different Barstool Sports show the most difficult pitcher to face in the MLB. Harper claimed that “deGrom is a video game on the mound” and listed him as one of the top three most difficult pitchers to hit against in the league.

The GOAT conversation for MLB typically revolves around hitters. People tend to make their case for Babe Ruth, Willie Mays, Barry Bonds, or even Mike Trout. But it is good to see pitchers get their due respect as well. Perhaps Arrieta's Jacob deGrom claim will spark a best pitcher of-all time conversation in the MLB world.