Oct 18, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jake Arrieta throws a pitch against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the first inning in game four of the 2017 NLCS playoff baseball series at Wrigley Field. Photo Credit: Jim Young-USA TODAY Sports
The Philadelphia Phillies officially signed right-handed pitcher Jake Arrieta to a three-year, $75 million contract on Monday. Arrieta will earn $30 million in 2018, followed by $25 million in 2019 and $20 million in 2020.
The deal could reach $135 million over five seasons if Arrieta chooses not to opt out after three seasons or if the Phillies choose to exercise the two-year extension.
“Jake’s one of the best pitchers in baseball,” Phillies general manager Matt Klentak said. “This is a big moment for our franchise. We’re thrilled.”
“I want to thank the Middleton family and the Phillies’ front office for believing in me and believing that I can come in and move the needle,” Arrieta said. “That’s exactly what I look forward to doing with this organization.”
Arrieta, 32, won the Cy Young with the Chicago Cubs in 2015 when he went 22-6 with a 1.77 ERA. He followed that up with an 18-8 record and a 3.10 ERA in 2016.
Arrieta had a rough start to the 2017 campaign (8-7 with a 4.35 ERA before the All-Star break), but his strong second half (6-3 with a 2.28 ERA) allowed him to finish with a 14-10 record, 163 strikeouts and a 3.53 ERA in 168.1 innings pitched.
Arrieta earned NL Pitcher of the Month and NL Pitcher of the Week honors four times over his five year tenure with the Cubs. He has started at least 30 games over the last three seasons.
Last year opposing hitters hit .235 off Arietta. He led the NL in batting average against in 2015 (.185) and 2016 (.194).
Arrieta owns a career record of 88-56 with 1,070 strikeouts and a 3.57 ERA in 1,161 innings pitched spanning eight seasons.
