March 11, 2018

Jake Arrieta reportedly agrees to multi-year deal with Phillies

By Matt Mullin
PhillyVoice Staff

According to multiple reports, the Phillies have landed one of the top free agent pitchers of the offseason – and certainly the best remaining starter on the market – 32-year-old righty Jake Arrieta.

Phillies have agreement in principle with Jake Arrieta. Deal pending physical. It will be multi year deal.
— Jim Salisbury (@JSalisburyNBCS) March 11, 2018

Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports previously reported that the two sides were close to striking a deal.

The money had never really been the issue for the Phillies in their pursuit of Arrieta – it was always more about the years they'd be committing to a pitcher who's already on the wrong side of 30. Earlier this offseason, it was reported that Arrieta was looking for a six- or seven-year deal, but the Phillies were only looking to commit a max of three years.

And while it's going to cost the team $25 million per year on average, it appears Phillies general manager Matt Klentak was able to get his wish in terms of the deal's length.

Jake Arrieta gets $75 million over 3 years
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) March 11, 2018

In Arrieta, the Phillies add a veteran presence to the top of their otherwise very young rotation. Furthermore, he brings postseason experience – he won the 2016 World Series with the Cubs – and a Cy Young pedigree – he won the NL Cy Young in 2015.

Last season, Arrieta went 14-10 with a 3.53 ERA and 163 strikeouts in 168 1/3 innings, including a 1.69 ERA in 11 starts in July and August.

Here's a look back at his career numbers:

YR	TM	W-L	ERA	WHIP	SO/W
2010	BAL	6-6	4.66	1.535	1.08
2011	BAL	10-8	5.05	1.458	1.58
2012	BAL	3-9	6.20	1.369	3.11
2013	BAL/CHC	5-4	4.78	1.327	1.46
2014	CHC	10-5	2.53	0.989	4.07
2015	CHC	22-6	1.77	0.865	4.92
2016	CHC	18-8	3.10	1.084	2.50
2017	CHC	14-10	3.53	1.218	2.96
TOT	- - -	88-56	3.57	1.169	2.66