Chicago Cubs: Is there a legitimate MVP candidate on this team?

Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Jake Arrieta – 13-6, 2.38 ERA, 155.1 IP, 158 Ks, 2 CG, 1 SHO (And he’s hit a home run and a triple)

Snubbed in back-to-back seasons for an All-Star appearance. A mention last season as a Cy Young candidate (finished 9th). Yet there are still many who don’t realize how good this guy is. The San Francisco Giants know, ask them what they think. Arrieta has become one of the most consistent in the game, as he’s allowed more than three earned runs just four times this season (four runs each time).

In his last 10 starts, he’s 7-1 with a 1.23 ERA–two complete games and a shutout. His lone loss came in the series against the Phillies in which the Cubs were swept. Arrieta didn’t pitch badly in that game, but Cole Hamels no-hitter was a bit better. Joe Maddon has shown faith in Arrieta to let him get out of tough spots, and he’s responded by doing just that.

Jon Lester was brought in to be the ace of this staff, and as of late looks like the pitcher the Cubs hoped to get when they signed him for $155 million. But the truth is, the ace has been in Chicago all this time.

Next: Has Jamaal Charles Lost a Step?