Cubs, former ace Jake Arrieta finalizing reunion originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
One Cubs ace from 2016 departed as a free agent this winter, but another is nearing a return to the North Side.
NBC Sport Chicago's Gordon Wittenmyer confirmed Friday the Cubs and free agent Jake Arrieta are finalizing a reunion in free agency.
Arrieta, the 2015 NL Cy Young Award winner, spent parts of five seasons with the Cubs (2013-17), helping them win the 2016 World Series and make three straight postseason trips. He left as a free agent in the 2017-18 offseason, signing a three-year deal with the Phillies after the Cubs signed Yu Darvish to a six-year deal.
The Cubs rotation has lost several key names in free agency this winter in Jon Lester (Nationals), José Quintana (Angels) and Tyler Chatwood (Blue Jays), as well as Yu Darvish, whom they traded to the Padres in December.
The Cubs have been looking to add another veteran starter to add to a rotation picture currently featuring Kyle Hendricks, Zach Davies, Alec Mills, Trevor Williams and Adbert Alzolay. Arrieta certainly fits the bill.
More to come.
