Chicago Cubs: Choosing between Jake Arrieta and Shohei Otani

The Chicago Cubs face plenty of decisions this winter. It would take major finagling, but the team could, in theory, pursue two-way Japanese star, Shohei Otani. But they also face a question over whether or not to pursue Jake Arrieta in free agency. 

The offseason sneaks up on front offices quickly.

The postseason starts in less than two weeks. After a month of high-stakes action, the Major League Baseball season draws to a close. Per usual, Theo Epstein, and the Chicago Cubs’ front office have some decisions to address early on in the offseason; perhaps none bigger than what to do with Jake Arrieta.

The former National League Cy Young Award winner is eligible for free agency and is set to not only test the open market but ask for an “ace-worthy” contract. Expect the right-hander and his super agent Scott Boras to ask for a contract in the seven-year, $200-million dollar range.

Arrieta certainly helped his case in the second half by cementing himself as a bonafide top-tier pitcher, working to the tune of a 6-2 record with a sparkling 1.97 ERA since the break. But the bearded ace isn’t the team’s only option.

Two-way Japanese superstar Shohei Otani is ready to bring his talents to the United States. Now, the Cubs aren’t the likeliest landing spot. The team faces international spending restrictions this offseason – capping their spending at $300,000. Before we delve into Arrieta versus Otani, let’s lay out the spending situation.