Jake Arrieta was one of the most high-profile free agents to leave the Chicago Cubs in recent years and has returned to the Cubs this year, and certainly has a unique perspective on guys entering their term. And, as we’ve discussed at length, the Cubs are absolutely packed with players in their tenure.
So when it comes to the brightest stars of the Cubs who have spent their entire career here, but who are on their way to free agency after this season, I was definitely interested to hear Arrieta’s perspective.
“I don’t know how much advice those guys need from me on that subject,” Arrieta told The Athletic this weekend. “I would like them to try to get it out of their minds as much as possible, which is probably 100 percent impossible. Because let’s face it, that’s a huge moment in each of their lives and that of their families. It’s a big part of the next phase of their career.
“The most important thing is to develop that team bond here in Chicago this year, where we can get the best out of each one of them. Of course, if they can do that and stay on the field, they will be very well compensated. It’s a bit of a bittersweet thing, I’m sure, for any of those guys. They’ve all been here for a long time. It’s hard to take off the Cubs’ uniform. “
Difficult to take off the Cubs uniform. Rings slightly stronger from a man who did leave and then came back.
Arrieta is no doubt right that it is impossible for guys like Kris Bryant and Javy Báez and Anthony Rizzo not to think about the impending combination of free agency and possibly the end of their time with the Cubs. But Arrieta is also probably right that, as far as possible, staying focused on this year and this year alone will probably end best for everyone. Then, after a good season – if no extensions have been signed – these guys can make the decisions that are right for them at the time.
I can say this: It’s absolutely weird to think of those three who are leaving after this year … and then come back like Arrieta in three years.