National League East: Jake Arrieta could be the difference-maker
By Tim Boyle
Free agent Jake Arrieta has yet to find a new home for 2018. If he lands somewhere in the National League East, he could be the difference-maker.
Everyone wants to know, where will Jake Arrieta pitch in 2018? Rumors throughout the offseason have linked him all over the map. However, it’s the National League East that looks like the most possible destination for the 2015 Cy Young winner.
The New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, and Washington Nationals have all at some point been linked to Arrieta. Any of these three National League East rivals could get a huge boost by signing the talented righty. In fact, his presence on any could help shape the division over the next few seasons.
Arrieta on the Mets
Add Arrieta to the Mets and suddenly this becomes a much closer race than it is currently. Many people are picking the Nationals to repeat as division champions. It makes sense. They have the best team on paper.
However, if Arrieta made his home in Queens next year, the competition is a lot tighter. A rotation with Noah Syndergaard, Jacob deGrom, and Arrieta is going to give the Nationals a tough time. Add in one other healthy arm and the Mets could see the Nationals topple over.
Arrieta on the Phillies
If the Phillies surprise us and sign Arrieta it’s not going to make a major difference this season. They are still at least a year away from competing. However, this sets them up nicely for a strong run into free agency next winter and makes Philadelphia a destination city for many.
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More importantly, inking Arrieta means he won’t pitch for the Mets or Nationals. The Phillies can ensure this by forking over the money now. They are one of the few big market teams with plenty of money left to spend. All it will take is for the two sides to agree on the terms.
Arrieta on the Nationals
Finally, there are the Nationals. The biggest difference Arrieta could make in the National League East would be to sign here. It would pretty much lock up the division. Better yet, it gives them a greater chance at finally going beyond the NLDS in the postseason.
The Nationals need Arrieta least of anybody mentioned. Their rotation already has two of last year’s top three Cy Young finishers, Stephen Strasburg and Max Scherzer. But their hopes are much bigger. They want to win a World Series. Signing Arrieta can ensure far greater odds.
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Whether he plays in the National League East or another division next season, Jake Arrieta is sure to have an impact. Although he’s aging, Arrieta is sure to give it his all to whichever team decides to sign him.