Dodgers: Pass or pursue on the 10 biggest free agents this offseason
By Jason Reed
1. RHP Jake Arrieta
Dodger fans may not be the biggest fans of Jake Arrieta. Arrieta had a historic 2015 season that robbed both Zack Greinke and Clayton Kershaw of a Cy Young reward and no-hit the Dodgers in the same season. Overall, Arrieta owns a 3.60 career ERA at Dodger Stadium in three starts.
With the Chicago Cubs reportedly not meeting Arrieta’s contract demands, the beautiful partnership between the Cubs and Arrieta looks to be over. In his last career start as a Cub, Arrieta threw 6.2 innings allowing one run on five hits with nine strikeouts. That was, of course, against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
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However, now, the team that Arrieta has caused so many headaches against may be the best possible destination for his dynamic arm. The Dodgers need a big game pitcher for the playoffs that is right-handed. Arrieta has a 3.08 career ERA in the postseason. Arrieta wants to be paid. The Los Angeles Dodgers are freeing up nearly $60 million in salary cap next season.
While Arrieta and the Dodgers have been bitter rivals in the past, that should not stop the team from pursuing the former Cy Young. Sure, Arrieta is 31 years old and could be making $26 million annually, but the Dodgers cannot pass up on him.
While the team would be taking a risk with a somewhat long deal, Arrieta is the perfect talent to bring in to ensure another World Series appearance, this time with a win in mind.
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The 2014-2015 Royals did it with Johnny Cueto, and now, the 2018 Los Angeles Dodgers need to look to do it with Jake Arrieta.