On Friday, February 12th, 2021 the Chicago Cubs and their former ace starting pitcher, Jake Arrieta, have agreed to terms on a one-year deal valued at approximately $6 million. All of the $6 million are fully guaranteed. This contract does not include a signing bonus, and it may include some incentives that have yet to be disclosed to the public. This new agreement is still pending a physical examination that should take place fairly soon. Arrieta will once again become an unrestricted free agent following the conclusion of the 2021 Major League Baseball season.

Baseball Background

Arrieta attended Texas Christian University where he played and excelled at baseball for the Horned Frogs. The Baltimore Orioles selected Jake in the fifth round of the 2007 Major League Baseball draft. After working his way up through the minor leagues Arrieta made his MLB debut on June 10th, 2010. Jake got valuable MLB experience with the Baltimore Orioles from 2010 to 2013, but he was considered to be just average starting pitcher at this point in his career.

The Chicago Cubs

 On July 2nd, 2013 the Baltimore Orioles traded Arrieta along with relief pitcher Pedro Strop to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for Scott Feldman and Steve Clevenger. Throughout his time with the Chicago Cubs from 2013 to 2017 Jake made history in a number of impressive ways. In 2015 Arrieta led the big leagues in wins as starting pitcher, he pitched his first ever no hitter, and won the National League Cy Young Award.

Then in 2016 he became an MLB All Star for the National League, he won a Silver Slugger Award, pitched his second no hitter, and he helped lead the Chicago Cubs to their first World Series championship in over 100 years. Over the course of time he spent with the Chicago Cubs Arrieta was virtually unhittable, and he became known as one of the greatest starting pitcher in Major League Baseball at that time.

The Philadelphia Phillies

 Due to the fact that Arrieta was incredibly successful with the Chicago Cubs, he was demanding and deserving of a huge MLB contract, and that is exactly what he got from the Philadelphia Phillies. Jake signed a 3 year contract with the Philadelphia Phillies worth around $75 million. Unfortunately for Arrieta and the Phillies his three years spent in Philadelphia was not nearly as successful as the time he spent with the Chicago Cubs. He was often suffering from various injuries.

Back with the Cubbies

Now that Jake is back with his former team in the Chicago Cubs, he looks to turn around their struggling ball club while reviving his professional baseball career. Although the Cubbies just dealt away one of their best starting pitchers in Yu Darvish, Arietta looks to help fill that void as he joins some of the other starting pitchers for the Chicago Cubs such as Kyle Hendricks, Zach Davies, and Alec Mills. If Jake pitches well for the North – siders this upcoming 2021 MLB season then look for the Chicago Cubs to potentially resign him during the next Major League Baseball offseason.

Career MLB Achievements, Honors, and Awards

  • MLB All – Star (2016)
  • World Series champion (2016)
  • National League Cy Young Award (2015)
  • Silver Slugger Award (2016)
  • MLB wins leader (2015)
  • Pitched two no-hitters (2015, 2016)