Today is a great day for Phillies fans watching the rebuild process get cut down a lot faster with the signing of ace pitcher Jake Arrieta. Jake was one of the high leveled names in this years free agency that struggled to achieve there desired contract. After waiting so long in the offseason and with spring training winding down. Jake and the Phillies agreed to a 3-year deal worth up to $75 million with an opt-out after the 2nd year with also a 2-year option that could be worth in total around $120-150 million maxed out. This gives Philadelphia a new look to there team adding a veteran starter that will help groom there young rotation and will help the Phillies reach the playoffs. Jake is turning 32 this upcoming that will bring to Philly a winning culture that has been missing since 2011. Jake started 30 games last season going 14-10 with a 3.53 era, striking out 163 batter in 168.1 innings. Jake might've already peaked in performance back in 2015 winning the CY Young award with a historic 2nd half of the season. It doesn't change the fact that he is still an above average starting pitcher that has playoff experience helping the Cubs go to the playoffs 3 consecutive years while breaking the curse in 2016. His playoff pedigree gives this young roster a playoff veteran presence that will show them what it means to play for October. With Jake as the new Phillies Ace this will push all there young starters down one spot creating less pressure on them and more time to learn from Jake. Arrieta is an athletic pitcher that has a great work ethic, can go the distance, and is a serious player determine to get the win at the end of the day. These key attributes that Jake holds will help out young starters like Aaron Nola, Jerad Eickhoff, and Vince Velasquez mature on and off the bump. Nola who's 24 has the most upside and who was going to be the opening day starter before Jake came along. Nola will now be able to take another huge step in his performance with Jake in front of him in the rotation and for always working on how to get better. The only setback for Jake is his recent health with how well his arm will last for succeeding in the league later in his career and from the workload he's had in the past. It caused a drop of velocity in his fastball which lead to more contact and more runs not including his lack of control with his off speed compared to 2015. Even if Jake isn't the most important pitcher or even best pitcher in the rotation. It won't change his value to the team and to the division. If Jake remains healthy we can see him starting 28-32 games, winning 12-17 games, striking out 170-200 batter in 165-200 innings. Jake was a great piece to pick up and by the time Jake has to decide whether to opt out of his contract or not will be the next time we talk about the Phillies competing for a playoff spot. It's always sunny in Philadelphia and now the forecast is looking a lot brighter after today.
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