Chicago Cubs: How far must they fall before trading Jake Arrieta is an option?
Defending a championship is never easy. After a drought of over 100 years, the Chicago Cubs are learning this the hard way. The season has not been too amazing. As a result, they could end up trading Jake Arrieta.
The Cubs aren't dead yet as they are closing in on the first place Milwaukee Brewers. However, the rest of the division is within striking distance too. One great week or a bad road trip can change everything in the congested National League Central.
For the Cubs, a complete overhaul is out of the question. The roster includes mostly young guys with a few veterans sprinkled throughout. Even if they miss the postseason in 2017, they should have a strong roster for 2018. Whether Arrieta will be a part of next year's Opening Day squad remains to be seen as free agency looms.
As someone on an expiring contract, Arrieta is guaranteed nothing beyond this year. Rental players like this are always trade deadline favorites. Arrieta just happens to be a little more phenomenal than most pitchers. Although this season has gone poorly, someone would surely pay the price for two months and a postseason of his services.
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Trading Arrieta is not something the Cubs ever wanted to do. It signifies their quick fall after two years of great baseball. Their hope was to get the most out of him this season then go from there. Unfortunately, he has been a part of the problem for the struggling Cubs.
Arrieta, who won the 2015 Cy Young Award, has not been the same this season. His 6-5 record isn't bad but the 4.64 ERA that goes with it is uncharacteristically high.
From 2014-2016, Arrieta was an unstoppable force. He was 50-19 with a 2.42 ERA. These numbers are more remarkable given how bad the Cubs were in 2014. Arrieta was far from a weak link with a 10-5 record and 2.53 ERA. Of course, this was just the beginning.
The same way the Cubs face a dilemma with slugger Kyle Schwarber, they have another tough decision to make with Arrieta. The major difference between them is the Cubs could deal Schwarber and improve the roster. Trading Arrieta is more of a sell move as he has still been a capable starter this season. They would lose a whole lot more than if they were to deal a struggling platoon player like Schwarber has become.
It's not a matter of whether or not the Cubs should trade Arrieta. They clearly should if the playoffs become a distant hope. If they think there's any chance at competing then sticking with Arrieta and hoping for an amazing second half is the correct approach. Right now, with the team's recent turnaround, Arrieta is likely to remain.
Up and down the roster, Cubs players have underperformed this season. Aside from closer Wade Davis, no one is meeting or exceeding expectations. Surely, hope still exists that this can soon change.
Until it does and the record improves, the Cubs will have to weigh on their minds what the future holds for their relationship with Arrieta. If by July 31 they are chasing the rest of the division, perhaps they retool and prepare to make their next triumphant run in 2018.
