Chicago Cubs: A reunion with Jake Arrieta is a must

The Chicago Cubs have put together a solid rotation for 2018, but adding Jake Arrieta would push it over the top

The calendar has now flipped to 2018 and Chicago Cubs‘ baseball is not too far away. Still, before the Cubs or any other team can take the field this spring, this year’s free agent class needs to be sorted out.

Right now, big-name free agents like Yu Darvish, Alex Cobb and Jake Arrieta headline the starting pitching market. As spring continues to draw nearer, the asking price for these free agents will no doubt fall as players prepare for the upcoming season. With that in mind, signing Jake Arrieta is no longer out of the picture.

Prior to the 2017 season and at times during the season, it was understood that Arrieta and his agent Scott Boras would be seeking a $200 million contract this winter. However, with only weeks left until the 2018 season, that asking price has been reduced.

Now, it seems as if the Cubs could get Arrieta on a four-year deal worth around $100 million. That is a far cry away from the five- to six-year deal and $200 million that was floated around previously.

If I’m the Cubs, and I’m not, I would gladly bring Arrieta back on a four-year, $100-110 million deal and here’s why.