MLB Network’s Jon Heyman reports that the Cubs and starter Jake Arrieta discussed a contract extension that “ended pretty quickly” over a “decent-sized gap” regarding the length of the deal. Heyman adds that Arrieta is said to be seeking a seven-year deal, with the right-hander pointing to deals signed by other Cy Young Award winners.
Arrieta, 30, is the defending National League Cy Young Award winner, finishing the last season with a 22-6 record, a 1.77 ERA, and a 236/48 K/BB ratio in 229 innings. He is eligible for arbitration for a third and final year after the 2016 season and can become a free agent after the 2017 season. Arrieta is earning $10.7 million, a record salary for a pitcher with four years of service time on a one-year deal.
Per Heyman, the Cubs are expected to try again to get Arrieta to ink an extension.
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