Phillies Sign Jake Arrieta

Jim Young-USA TODAY Sports
Jim Young-USA TODAY Sports

The Phillies made their second splash of the offseason on Sunday, as the team struck a deal with starting pitcher Jake Arrieta, according to Bob Nightengale.

Arrieta, 32, is several seasons removed from his incredible 22-win, 1.77 ERA season with the Chicago Cubs. However Arrieta has posted an ERA in the 3's the past two seasons and is still a very good player. During his time in Chicago, Arrieta has been one of the best pitchers in all of baseball.

The glaring weakness of the Phillies heading into spring training was their starting rotation. Aaron Nola is a phenomenal young pitcher and Jerad Eickhoff has been solid when healthy, however the rest of the projected rotation has been shaky at best. Arrieta is a great addition and gives them a very good top 3 in their rotation with him, Nola, and Eickhoff.

Several months ago, the Phillies brought in a good veteran hitter in Carlos Santana. Now, they add a good veteran pitcher to the rotation in Arrieta. As long as the Phillies stay healthy this year, they now have a legitimate chance at competing for a wild card spot this season.

The fun is just beginning for the Phillies. With one of the best farm systems in baseball, a good young major league team with several good veterans, boatloads of money to spend, and a loaded free agent class next year, the future is very bright in Philadelphia.