While there’s no evidence of progress between the Cubs and Jake Arrieta on a new contract, the righty provided some interesting thoughts on his outlook to Jon Heyman of Fan Rag. Arrieta says he believes he may be able to land “a six- or seven-year deal” when he does sign, whether that’s with Chicago or another organization via free agency. And the 31-year-old adds that he’s looking ahead to a lengthy career, saying: “I feel very confident I can pitch until I’m 40. I do everything possible to make sure I’m healthy and durable.” Arrieta isn’t putting any time restrictions on talks with his current team, telling Heyman he’d consider offers at any time while also noting that he doesn’t want his contract situation to distract from the season to come.
Arrieta stands to play an important role in next year’s free-agent market. MLBTR’s Tim Dierkes recently listed him as the top pending free agent in his first power ranking of next winter’s crop of open-market talent, with three other high-end hurlers not far behind. Here’s more on a few pitching situations from around the game:
- Another important potential extension scenario is still open out west, where the Giants and ace Madison Bumgarner have three years to consider another long-term pact. As Heyman writes, there’s nothing new to report at this point. And that’s fine with Bumgarner, who says it’s “not really up to me” when talks will get underway in earnest. “Whenever the time comes, it’ll be a conversation held in private,” he says. The star southpaw says he’s comfortable pitching under his previous extension for the time being, explaining that he has no regrets. After all, he acknowledges, both he and the organization took a risk in inking that pact.
- We could be talking about White Sox phenom Michael Kopech in similar terms one day if he accomplishes his personal goals, which he discusses at length in an interesting piece from Scott Miller of Bleacher Report. Kopech tells Miller that he has his sights set on throwing harder than any pitcher ever has — he’s certainly already within range — while noting that his priority is “to be a dominant pitcher” regardless of the radar gun readings. Chicago fans who want to learn about one of the organization’s prized new prospects will want to give the post a full read.
- Mariners brass probably felt a mix of emotions as last night’s USA-Venezuela WBC matchup got underway, but as MLB.com’s Greg Johns writes, it ended up going quite well for the organization. Long-time staff ace Felix Hernandez was excellent, but it was new lefty Drew Smyly who opened eyes with his performance. The 27-year-old southpaw notched eight strikeouts against a potent Venezuela lineup over 4 2/3 strong frames, allowing only one unearned run. And he topped out at over 94 mph with his fastball, setting a new personal high-water mark in that regard.
- The Angels are still sorting through their rotation plans for the season, as Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register writes. Righties Matt Shoemaker and Garrett Richards appear to be vying for the Opening Day nod, with no signals as yet as to who’ll take the honors. The primary concern, of course, will be ensuring that each is prepared for a fully healthy campaign after their respective health scares in 2016. As Fletcher explains, there’s still some uncertainty with the rest of the staff. Ricky Nolasco and Jesse Chavez appear to be on track to secure rotation jobs, though it’s not yet clear whether southpaw Tyler Skaggs will be ready to roll at the start of the season given the “shoulder fatigue” he has experienced.
- Turning to an interesting pen situation, the Rockies liked what they saw out of righty Greg Holland yesterday, as Nick Groke of the Denver Post reports. The one-time ace reliever, who’s working back from Tommy John surgery, returned to competitive mound action for the first time with a 95 mph heater and effective breaking offerings. While the three-up, three-down frame came against minor-league opposition, the outing represented an important step for Holland as he seeks to reestablish his health and once-dominating stuff. That leaves him on track to make six or eight Cactus League outings, Groke writes, though he won’t take the hill again until the weekend. While the team’s plans for the ninth inning remain unresolved at this point, Groke suggests that it’s likely Holland will receive the closer’s nod over Adam Ottavino.
24TheKid
Felix hit 93 and Smyly hit 95, I know that’s not everything but that’s really good news for the M’s.
seattlehof24
Very good news.
ronnsnow
Arrieta should be a used car salesman. Yes, this car has 100,000 miles on it, but I’m confident it will last until 300,000 miles. The price tag is 35,000,
stryk3istrukuout
Good comparison
angels fan 3
Lmao
ChaplinBaseball
You nailed it!
pd14athletics
Ya, but could he sell that True Coat?
ChiSoxCity
Arrieta’s probably got 5 solid years left in him as TOR starter. If he puts up Cy Young numbers in 2017, he’ll probably get 5-6 years at $28 MM per. The Cubs should give strong consideration to re-signing him because I don’t anyone else of that caliber available. If, however, Arrieta’s looking for $30 MM per year, let him walk.
ChiSoxCity
Should say “looking for $30 plus MM.”
alexgordonbeckham
As a ChiSox fan, please Kopech, don’t blow your arm out. Velocity isn’t everything. Heck, he can take off 5-8 mph and he’d still be throwing hard.
Priggs89
Agreed. I saw something yesterday where his trainer said he thinks he can hit 107 on the gun. Personally, I have no interest in seeing that. Well, not no interest… But that’s probably the least important thing he could work towards for his development.
pjmcnu
I also read that as Kopech saying “I want to blow my elbow out more thoroughly than any pitcher ever! I want the bones & joint to melt!” Perhaps he should just focus on dominating at whatever speed, and take the MPHs as a curious bonus. The guys who watch their own radar gun are rarely effective.
geauxbraves
With Arrieta’s workout routine I have no doubt he could pitch until he’s 40. However, If I were the Cubs I’d say thank you for your service and for helping bring a championship to Chicago and good luck with your next team.
cxcx
I’m sure the Red Sox are pleased with their decision to go a similar route with Jon Lester.
ray_derek
Great point cx
kbarnoski26
kopech averages around 98, he should stay there so he doesnt blow his arm out
jimdevinmoriah
I read the article on Kopech. Great article and what a great kid. He is focused and dedicated to his career. My opinion is that in the end this kid will have a bigger impact on MLB than Moncada. Read the article and you will see this kid has great make up and drive.
Connorsoxfan
So we’ll skip over the drug suspension, and I think this guy also broke a bone punching something. But yeah, great make up.
Dookie Howser, MD
That something was actually a someone. And that someone also played baseball. For the same team.
jakem59
You mean the guy who got popped for PEDs and missed most of last year after breaking his hand punching a teammate? Yeah, great makeup.
RunDMC
It’s all about a great foundation and reliable concealer.
RunDMC
One thing is certain: Moncada will have more strikeouts than Kopech.
Digirolamo6194
Lol I just learned this hahahah!! What a great kid he is getting suspended and denied using the drug(like most) then coming back and punching someone and breaking his hand. Very smart and great kid.
Things can change but he is off to a good start lol
ABStract
No one’s gonna mention Bumgarner’s quote? Ok, well…
How refreshing is it when one of the games best players admits that signing a contract is a risk for both sides. This is in contrast with many players that have a good year or two and expect to be paid more than the the amount of the agreed upon contract they signed. At least in baseball, if a player doesn’t play up to the contract, the team isn’t allowed to pay him less, so why do they think they deserve more?
I love that the Giants are the kind of place that fosters this attitude by taking care of their guys when their contracts are up and, in the long run, making sure they got the money they deserved. But also the common sense attitude by a player regarding what a contact actually is and means is seen far too infrequently nowadays.
Go Giants