Jake Arrieta appears to be off of the MLB free agency market with the Cy Young award winner reportedly heading to the East coast.
Jake Arrieta may have a place to call home soon, even as early as this time tomorrow, with a team emerging as a clear front-runner — according to USA Today Sports veteran writer Bob Nightengale.
Talks are heating up with Jake Arrieta, who’s expected to sign in the next couple of days. Several teams remain involved, but the #Phillies looming as the favorite
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) March 11, 2018
The Philadelphia Phillies are not messing around, if these reports are accurate, going after a big-name arm to help their array of young talent.
Breaking: Phillies are moving close to a deal with Jake Arrieta
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 11, 2018
Acquiring Jake Arrieta would come at a (high) cost, with our estimation worth of 4 years, $112 million — but it appears that Arrieta is locked in with a three-year, $145 million dollar deal.
The #Phillies spent $145 million on Jake Arrieta (75M) and Carlos Santana (70) and in excess of 30 million on bullpen to suddenly make them a very competitive team
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) March 11, 2018
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After a dominant 2015 campaign — a 22-6 record, 1.77 ERA, 0.87 WHIP (that’s no typo), 236 strikeouts, just 48 BB, and only 10 HR’s allowed. It’s difficult to top that sort of success and dominance, but Jake Arrieta has come down to earth and has done so quickly.
He combined for 32 wins, an ERA close to 4.00, and dished up 39 long balls the past two seasons. Much of his success in the win/loss column was due to the Chicago Cubs potent lineup and a winning culture.
Should Phillies’ fans be excited about Jake Arrieta, if these MLB free agency reports come to fruition? Yes and no. The name of Jake Arrieta alone will generate buzz and excitement in Philly, no doubt causing attendance to spike every-fifth-day.
Also, a veteran presence to anchor the young-guns would go along way, helping the Phillies moving forward. But, the price he’s asking could cripple any long-term plans for the Phillies, with the team not expected to be in contention for several more seasons.
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MLB free agency players have overestimated the market, with big names still lingering on the wire. Jake Arrieta is one of them, but it seems he is likely to head east to Mo-Town Philly– Doing a little east coast fling, Boys II Men style.