Chicago Cubs: Team in better shape with Justin Verlander and not Jake Arrieta
Recent reports have the Chicago Cubs inquiring on the availability of pitcher Justin Verlander. Even with a big contract, having him in the future is a better bet than having future free agent Jake Arrieta.
The MLB’s non-waiver trade deadline is quickly approaching. The Chicago Cubs, languishing in the NL Central with a 42-42 record, are expected to be buyers.
Pitching is something the Cubs need. Their starting rotation hasn’t performed as well as last year when they ranked at or near the top in nearly every category. One recent report has them inquiring about the Detroit Tigers’ pitcher Justin Verlander.
Yes, getting Verlander will be expensive. His contract calls for $70 million for this season and the next two. Also, Cubs president Theo Epstein will need to give up some prospects and/or major league talent.
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Even with the high price tag, having Verlander is a better bet for the Cubs instead of giving Jake Arrieta a big contract. After his incredible 2015, Arrieta’s been back to a normal, if not mediocre, pitcher. His agent in Scott Boras, so you know he’ll ask for a big payday.
Which would you rather have, a two-and-a-half year, $70 million contract or a 4 or 5-year contract worth at least $150 million?
At 5-5, a 4.96 ERA and a 1.52 WHIP, Verlander isn’t exactly tearing the league up. However, he finished second in the AL Cy Young voting last season, trying to get the Tigers into the playoffs. He does have 98 innings under his belt, and he has 98 strikeouts.
This season, the Tigers are 37-46 and look like sellers at the deadline. Moving into a new league and playing for a playoff contender could reinvigorate Verlander and get him back on track.
Epstein and the Cubs aren’t looking for rentals. They want players under contract for a few seasons. With Arrieta and John Lackey, two of the top pitchers in the Cubs’ rotation, set to become free agents, Epstein wants to acquire contracts so he doesn’t get into a bidding war for their replacements.
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Verlander is still a number one-type pitcher. Combining him with Jon Lester gives the Cubs a terrific lefty-righty combination. He can help the team make a multi-season World Series run. If he indeed is available, the Chicago Cubs need to make this deal happen.