Could the Chicago Cubs still re-sign Jake Arrieta?

As the Chicago Cubs participate in spring training action, one marquee free agent is still waiting to pitch. Jake Arrieta, who remains unsigned, can still be a short-term option for the Cubs at the right price.

Jake Arrieta was hoping to cash in on a big-time contract this offseason. Unfortunately, no team, not even the Chicago Cubs, has been willing to cave to his financial demands thus far.

Opening Day is fast approaching, which means that, by holding out for a new long-term deal, Arrieta is losing precious playing time.

More from Chicago Cubs

• Juan Soto appears headed to the Yankees which is not a big blow Chicago Cubs offseason
• Chicago Cubs in the middle of chaos that is Shohei Ohtani’s free agency
• The Chicago Cubs are on a roller coaster of emotions chasing Shohei Ohtani
• Chicago Cubs Rumors: latest on Bellinger, Chapman, and Hoskins
• National insider takes Chicago Cubs out of Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes

Spring training is an opportune time for players to kick off lingering rust caused by the off-season break. Arrieta, by not signing with a team anytime soon, is risking falling behind the rest of the league once the regular season begins.

Knowing this, would Arrieta be better off signing a one-year deal? While it probably wouldn’t sit well with the former Cubs’ ace initially, what if the team that signs him is the Cubs?

The Chicago Cubs organization has always been interested in working out a new deal with Arrieta. It just has to be “team-friendly”.

Given his declining performance over the past two seasons, who can blame the Cubs for not wanting to sign Arrieta for the same amount of money as Yu Darvish?

Opting to sign Arrieta to a six-year, $126-million contract instead of Darvish would have been a mistake.

On the other hand, signing Arrieta to a one-year deal worth north of $25 million can help both the Cubs and Arrieta short-term.

The Cubs have a starting rotation that currently features four proven starters: Jon Lester, Kyle Hendricks, Yu Darvish and Jose Quintana. The fifth starter, Tyler Chatwood, is a question mark heading into this season.

Chatwood is coming off a bumpy 2017 season. With the Colorado Rockies, Chatwood posted a lackluster 4.69 ERA in 33 mound appearances (25 as a starter). His six-year career ERA is 4.31. For any starting pitcher, that’s a mediocre average.

Granted, Chatwood still has time to get better on the mound. Pitching for the Cubs can do wonders for anyone’s career. Just ask Jake Arrieta.

Having said that, if the Cubs still have a shot to sign Arrieta, even if it’s just for one season, they should do it.

While Arrieta appears to be on the decline, he still has a reputation for pitching great in crucial games. His valuable playoff experience easily trumps Chatwood’s lack of sustainable success on the mound.

Furthermore, signing Arrieta would fortify the Cubs’ 2018 rotation, potentially making them the favorites to win the World Series.

Besides, Arrieta might experience a resurgence on the mound pitching for the Cubs. He’d be motivated to prove doubters wrong, giving it his all on the mound every start.

Arrieta’s familiarity pitching at Wrigley Field would pay great dividends too. He has established great chemistry with catcher Willson Contreras and the rest of his teammates over the past few seasons while enjoying his time in Chicago. Going to a new team could pose some early challenges in that department.

Next: Inside Anthony Rizzo's Family Foundation charity

Arrieta experienced a career resurgence when he was traded from the Baltimore Orioles to the Cubs back in 2013. Why not stick with the team that helped make you a successful pitcher over the last couple of seasons?

Even if it’s just for one more last hurrah.