Chicago Cubs: The curious case of Jake Arrieta

The Cubs need Arrieta to perform this season

While I’m sure Arrieta would like to fast forward to his big payday, the Cubs need the right-hander to perform if they hope to make it to the postseason. So far, Arrieta has been disappointing and is one of the many reasons why the Cubs can’t get going.

With injuries plaguing the Cubs’ rotation, Arrieta needs to step up and start stringing together some solid starts. Jon Lester cannot carry this rotation by himself, and no one expects him to.

As the All-Star break approaches, a chance to rest will present itself. If Arrieta’s workload is, in fact, part of the problem, this time to rest should do him some good. If rest proves ineffective, perhaps an underlying problem is starting to bubble to the surface.

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Arrieta still has time to salvage his 2017 campaign. A successful second half could earn Arrieta his $200 million contracts, while a bad second half could ruin his chances of a long-term deal.

Amidst all this off-season contract talk, Cubs fans just hope Arrieta can find success and help the North Siders win another World Series title.