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.
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.
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 |
Stay tuned...
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