Former Chicago Cubs star Jake Arrieta announces retirement
Former Chicago Cubs Cy Young award winner, Jake Arrieta announced his plans to retire from Major League Baseball Monday. The free agent had not been able to land a contract with any teams after the San Diego Padres released him late last season.
The big right-hander from the state of Texas, was drafted three times before he signed. He was first selected out of high school in the 31st round by the Reds. The next year, after attending Weatherford Junior College, Arrietta was drafted in the 26th round by the Brewers. Two years later (2007), the Baltimore Orioles took the Texas Christian University pitcher in the 5th round.
Former Chicago Cubs star Jake Arrieta faces reality
Arrieta’s time with the Orioles was a bumpy one at best. Traded to the Chicago Cubs in July of 2013, he was about to embark on his best pitching years. The end of the 2013 year was solid, but very few people expected how he would dominate, over the next few seasons.
According to FanGraphs, through the first four seasons of Arrieta’s career, he had produced 0.8 WAR. In the next three full campaigns with the Cubs, Arrieta posted a gaudy 17.4 WAR. These three seasons also saw him win the 2015 Cy Young award, become an All-Star in 2016, twirl two no-hitters, and help lead his 2016 team to their third ever World Series victory, and first in 108 years.
Any Cubs player that was on the 2016 World Series streak breaking team, is loved by the city. When your name is Jake Arrieta, and you win both games 2 and 6 of the World Series, on the road in Cleveland, you will forever have a place in their hearts.
Arrieta left Wrigley, after the 2017 season, when he signed a three-year, $75 million contract with the Philidelphia Phillies. With his best baseball behind him, Arrieta never performed at a level worthy of the contract. Last season saw the Cubs take a flyer on Arrietta, attempting to rekindle some of the 2014-2016 magic, but this to ended in disappointment.
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Some may argue that Jake Arrieta underperformed for much of his career, but the fact is, he had a stretch of three years that not only brought he and his teammates many accolades, but also got him paid. Any kid that is dreaming of pitching in the majors, should be over the moon, if their dream ends up similar to the career of Arrieta’s. Well done, Jake, enjoy the retirement.