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MLB Rumors: Jake Arrieta discussing six-year extension with Chicago Cubs

By Dave Stevenson

Oct 18, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jake Arrieta throws a pitch against the New York Mets in the first inning in game two of the NLCS at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 18, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jake Arrieta throws a pitch against the New York Mets in the first inning in game two of the NLCS at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Chicago Cubs and Jake Arrieta are discussing a six year extension

The Chicago Cubs have had a successful off-season so far. They have added John Lackey to their starting rotation while also adding outfielder Jason Heyward and infielder Ben Zobrist to their already potent lineup. However, they have yet to deal with one of their biggest priorities entering the off-season: extending 2015 NL Cy Young winner Jake Arrieta.

Well, the two sides have been discussing a six-year extension that they could potentially get done before they go to arbitration.

“It is absolutely realistic,” Arrieta said, via CBS Chicago. “Myself, my wife and kids are extremely happy here in Chicago. It is up to the Cubs and my agent to get together and have that conversation and see where it goes.”

Arrieta is an interesting extension candidate because he is eligible for arbitration, but he turns 30 years old in March. He is scheduled to become a free agent in November of 2017 at the age of 31. The Cubs would love to keep him despite closing in on 30 years old and they are making movies that will help them win a World Series. Signing Jake Arrieta would obviously help them accomplish that goal by solidifying their rotation for the foreseeable future.

Arrieta won the 2015 NL Cy Young award after finishing the season with a 1.77 ERA to go along with a league-leading 22 wins. He had a 0.75 ERA in the second half which propelled him to his first Cy Young. He overcame Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke who were also named finalists.

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