Chicago Cubs: Looking back on some of Theo Epstein’s best trades

How do you think the Baltimore Orioles feel right now? I mean, trading away to rising stars to the Chicago Cubs for a few busts can’t feel good, right? Aside from acquiring Rizzo, this trade became a steal.

Epstein and company practically robbed the Baltimore Orioles blind. When Jake Arrieta left the Orioles for the Cubs, his ERA was a staggering 7.23. When the 2013 campaign wrapped, his ERA with the Cubs was an improved 3.66.

Improvement

While Arrieta appears to be the better half of this deal, Pedro Strop hasn’t been all that bad himself. Despite a few hiccups along the way, Pedro has proven to be a solid set-up man before Hector Rondon lost the job.

Now he’s giving Joe Maddon a reliable arm to come into the game around the seventh inning. He could even possibly surpass Rondon as the set-up man. That all depends on his performance in Spring Training.

Going back to Arrieta, the 2015 National League Cy Young award winner has pitched two no-hitters in a years time. One against the Los Angeles Dodgers and his latest in Cincinnati against the Reds.

Despite his 2015 postseason jitters, Arrieta came back strong with two solid starts in the World Series. Nearly flirting with a no-no in one and continuing to confuse Cleveland’s hitters in his next appearance. Just because he hasn’t signed a long-term deal yet doesn’t mean he eventually won’t.

Chicago is going to do everything in their power to make sure he’ll remain a Cub for years to come.