Chicago Cubs chances of bring back Jake Arrieta dwindling

Chicago Cubs: Arrieta, Darvish setting the market

If you look at the original Top 10 free agent rankings from MLBTR, only one starting pitcher apart from Darvish or Arrieta- Lance Lynn – appears on that list. Tanaka opted into his deal with New York, rendering his inclusion meaningless.

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Now, I broke down some choices facing Theo and Jed over the weekend. If the Cubs brought back both Arrieta and closer Wade Davis on new contracts, I’m guessing you’re looking at a minimum of $40 million annually. Or, the Cubs could diversify, going for the middle-tier options on the market, perhaps shoring things up with a trade.

But, with the news of Cueto also opting in to the remaining three years of his deal, I have concerns. Arrieta’s price will undoubtedly rise – but so will guys like Lynn, Alex Cobb and Andrew Cashner – to name a few. As Cubs Insider pointed out, it’s not difficult. This comes down to the simple law of supply and demand.

Trades, free agency – they all come with a cost

Free agency seems to be a likelier solution for the Cubs’ roster holes than trades – at least to me. Chicago did a number on its farm system in the trades for Aroldis Chapman, Jose Quintana and Justin Wilson/Alex Avila over the last two years. It needs time to recoup some talent and develop some of the lower-level guys before wheeling and dealing again.

But, the same as trades cost you talent, this year’s free agent market will cost a good chunk of change. Understanding – and accepting – that fact now will make the coming months more palatable for all of us.