Chicago Cubs: Five players that must step up in second half

Want a new contract, Jake?

It is a contract year, and Jake Arrieta is costing himself money. Tons of it. After winning the Cy Young in 2015, Arrieta was on-pace to sign a $200 million dollar contract. Now, that number as dwindled.

And it is all mechanics. It has to be. We all know this cross-body motion is not ideal for a pitcher. Just listen to the announcers on ESPN talk about it when they broadcast his games. Whether that is the cause or not, there is something not right with Arrieta.

Need stats to support that? Okay. Here is one. Last season, Arrieta lead the National League in one statical area. Not wins or ERA, or even stikeouts. It was wild pitches. You could take all his wild pitches in the three previous season and not equal the 16 he threw in 2016. Currently, Arrieta leads the National League in…

Wild pitches. With 13 in the first half alone.

Hits per nine innings? Up to 8.6. Home runs per nine? His highest since 2012. Runs? Most since 2012 as well. Already more than 2015.

So, whatever it is, Arrieta needs to fix it. He is costing himself money, and the Cubs wins.