One of the biggest stories around the Chicago Cubs’ offseason lies on what they should do with Jake Arrieta.
The veteran hurler has been one of the best players on the team over the past few years, and he has been an integral part of the franchise’s three straight playoffs runs to the NLCS. However, Arrieta ended his contract with Chicago once the team was eliminated by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the postseason a few weeks ago. And now he will test the free-agent market for the first time in his career.
As such, there have been two defined positions regarding Arrieta’s future. A big portion of the fans wants the 2015 NL Cy Young winner to remain in the franchise. However, others want him gone since they believe his best years are already in the past. And even though it’s never easy to say goodbye to a fan favorite, that’s exactly what the Cubs should do. Re-signing him could be a huge mistake that the Cubs could regret sooner than later.
Should He Stay Or Should He Go?
First of all, Arrieta might be accomplished veteran, but that’s exactly what he is: a VETERAN. He doesn’t really fit with the age of the team’s core, and even though pitchers tend to last longer, the Cubs could be better suited to add a young starter to further bolster their rotation. Names like Chris Archer, Aaron Nola, and Marcus Stroman – all of whom the Cubs have been connected during the past few days – would fit far better in the team’s long-term scenario.
There is also the salary issue. There is no question Arrieta deserves a lofty contract. We are talking about a frontline starter. One with a Cy Young Award and plenty of playoff experience under his belt over the past few years. But at the same time, the Cubs – or whoever team that signs him – must be responsible regarding how much money they want to offer. All signs indicate that Arrieta is likely to get an ace-like contract, but he is not an ace anymore. He is better suited to be a #2 or #3 starter on a contending team. Or even a #4 starter in a very, very good team like the Los Angeles Dodgers, for instance.
And do the Cubs really want to pay an increased amount of money for a veteran who is not likely to live up to the value of his deal? This will likely be Arrieta’s final big contract of his career, too. With that in mind, there is no question he will want to get paid. And make no mistake: he deserves it.
But the Cubs shouldn’t give him the kind of money he is looking for.