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Chicago Cubs: Time for Jake Arrieta to hang up the spikes

By David Hill

Aug 11, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jake Arrieta (49) looks at the ball before delivers a pitch against the Milwaukee Brewers during the first inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 11, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jake Arrieta (49) looks at the ball before delivers a pitch against the Milwaukee Brewers during the first inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /
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This was not supposed to be how it would end for Jake Arrieta. After a rough ending to his time with the Phillies, he had returned to the Chicago Cubs, the team that he had his best seasons in the majors with. He was supposed to rebound, finding that magic once again, while helping the Cubs make one last run with their core.

Instead, the Cubs fell apart. Their strong start to the year vanished, and they sold off most of that core. Arrieta was not immune to those struggles either, as he also fell apart, ruining any possible trade value he would have had in the process.

Chicago Cubs give Jake Arrieta the boot

Just as the Cubs did, Arrieta had a solid start to the season. He posted a 2.57 ERA and a 1.178 WHiP over his 28 innings, appearing to be a bargain. However, since that point, he had just one quality start, coming on May 14, and had been hammered since.

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Arrieta ends his second stint with the Cubs in disappointing fashion. He had posted a 6.88 ERA and a 1.761 WHiP over his 86.1 innings, striking out 74 batters with 39 walks. Arrieta allowed 21 homers as the opposition battered him for a .940 OPS as he clearly was not fooling anyone any longer.

At 35 years old, and after two rough seasons, it is fair to wonder how much Arrieta has left. His previous track record of success – a former All Star and Cy Young winner – could lead to another opportunity on a minor league deal. It would not be a surprise to see Arrieta resurface in spring training, attempting to find his former glory once again.

But there just may not be anything left. Arrieta showed signs of slipping in 2019, and it was possible that his struggles last year were due to the shortened season. That excuse is no longer valid this year, as he was able to go through a complete spring training and there has not been an interruption to the season. He just cannot get major league hitters out any longer.

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The Chicago Cubs have moved on from Jake Arrieta. At this point, given his struggles over the past few years, it is time to hang up the cleats.

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