Phillies: Jake Arrieta’s job description goes deeper than pitching
By Tim Boyle
The most expensive player on the Philadelphia Phillies this year, Jake Arrieta, has two jobs. One is to pitch. The other is to attract more talent in Philadelphia next year.
It finally happened. The Philadelphia Phillies bit the bullet and signed free agent starting pitcher Jake Arrieta to a blockbuster. Set to make $30 million in his first season with the Phillies, Arrieta has two jobs.
The first and most obvious is to win them games. Arrieta will need to take the mound with a young team behind him. It’s something he has done before. Let’s not forget how young many of the Chicago Cubs are.
Equally as important, Arrieta is in Philadelphia to attract more talent. When next season arrives, he’s going to need to put on his best smile and bring free agents to the Phillies.
Even before they signed Arrieta, many viewed Philadelphia as favorites to land big free agents next winter. Names like Bryce Harper and Manny Machado were viewed as possible targets for the Phillies. Each is still a possibility. With Arrieta anchoring the rotation along with homegrown starter Aaron Nola, the Phillies’ chances at landing a top-tier talent is far greater.
Both of the big contracts the Phillies handed out this winter extend through 2020. Arrieta and first baseman Carlos Santana aren’t locked in for a long time. This means the Phillies should be extremely active next winter. There’s no time to waste. This first year is to make Philadelphia a more attractive destination. The next two seasons is to do something about it.
Phillies Free Agent Targets
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Along with Harper and Machado, the Phillies have other free agent targets to consider. Starter Dallas Keuchel is one of the better pitchers available. Could we see Arrieta and Nola lead a charge to bring him to Philadelphia?
Since the Phillies do appear to have a surplus of young talent all over the field, it’s possible they also add a big name via trade. Arrieta won’t have as much leverage here. Although, talking with management could force them to make a move for a non-free agent. Arrieta isn’t pitching in Philadelphia solely for the paycheck. That sweet taste of World Series victory in 2016 is something he’d surely like to experience again.
None of Arrieta’s notable Cubs teammates have expiring contracts after the upcoming season. In that regard, it’s tough to see any clear connections.
Next: Roster-roulette players for the Phils
For sure, the Phillies will dive deep into the free agent market next winter. With Arrieta as a possible spokesperson, they have a much higher chance of landing the guys they want most.