Now that they are the World Series champions, the Chicago Cubs have some very interesting decisions to make as to how they are going to move forward. One of the biggest decisions they are facing is how they are going to handle Jake Arrieta's contract situation. By all accounts, the two sides have been trying to forge an agreement for the better part of the last year, but so far, the money numbers have simply not been close enough to instill much optimism. With free agency looming, should the Cubs be looking to deal Arrieta at the deadline? It's not as crazy as it sounds.
Jake's declining numbers
While it would have seemed like an insane proposition this time last year, the Chicago Cubs suddenly find themselves with a very expendable Jake Arrieta these days. The former Baltimore pitcher, who the Orioles gave up on because he could never quite harness his talent, has seen his accuracy decline in the last year. While he still has electric stuff, he's had a problem going very deep into games precisely because he hasn't been able to consistently hit the strike zone.
While he was once the odds-on favorite to be called the best pitcher in baseball, he was not the one the Chicago Cubs leaned on as they ran towards their first World Series championship in over 100 years.
With several pitchers who could step up and take over the fourth or fifth starter roles, the team could add a lot of young talent, or even more MLB-ready players at this year's trade deadline.
This isn't about being a seller
No, chances are the Chicago Cubs are not going to be in a seller's position come the 2017 trade deadline.
Despite the fact that they are gearing up for yet another championship run, the thought of losing Arrieta for nothing after the season should make the team investigate trade options. The asking price for the former Cy Young winner might never be higher than when other teams are looking to stock up at the deadline.
No, the Chicago Cubs likely won't deal Arrieta (if for no other reason than they wouldn't want to face him in the offseason). Still, it's an idea the team should think about if contract talks don't advance positively over the next few months.
