Phillies sign Jake Arrieta to a 3-year $75 million deal

[Jazzhead]

Maybe they should go for the jugular and sign Cobb too. What would he cost, at most a fourth round pick?

[julio]

Maybe they should go for the jugular and sign Cobb too. What would he cost, at most a fourth round pick?

He would cost our second-highest available pick (which is now the fourth-round pick), plus a $500k hit to our international bonus pool (on top of the two $500k hits we've already incurred). Of course, the club could trade for additional international pool money.

[julio]

Fairly minor thing, but when this signing becomes official (after the physical), Arrieta will go on the 40-man roster - and somebody will have to come off to make room.

[dcsman]

This is exactly what was needed! It really is exciting to be a Philadelphia sports fan this year. LeBron to the Sixers next?

[zambonir]

Yup that's what I was about to say, and also another reason I don't see them signing Cobb (along with the fact that they were probably never that interested in him).

As Andy noted in another thread, Curtis could go if Milner's won the job. Alvarez may yet be a spare part (but also, perhaps this increases the odds of Valentin making the 25). Not sure I'd cut bait on any starters.

And then of course there's Joseph.

[bkeich]

OK I admit I was in the process responding to another threads post that the FO really is cheap. I had good arguments, trust me.

This is a fairly brilliant signing. Can't believe he signed this deal, honestly no idea why he didn't sign a 1 year and come back next year as a non QO guy.

[Squire]

Just FYI but story at Phillies.com says that Arrieta cost our 3rd round pick but NOT any more international pool money.

[julio]

Just FYI but story at Phillies.com says that Arrieta cost our 3rd round pick but NOT any more international pool money.

The article may have been updated - but as of now, it says:

Because Arrieta rejected the Cubs' qualifying offer last year, the Phillies will forfeit their third-highest Draft pick, plus $500,000 in international signing bonus money. They already surrendered their second-highest pick, plus $500,000 in international signing bonus money, when they signed Carlos Santana to a three-year, $60 million contract in December.

It looks like the byline on the story changed - from somebody (I've forgotten who) to Zolecki. That might coincide with a content edit.

[zambonir]

Well, he's an aging declining player, if his 2018 is like his 2017 (or worse) he would not be getting $20 million or more going forward. If he's the same or better or he's still going to be extremely well-compensated on a rising team.

Assuming there is no opt-out it seems the Phillies paid for that privilege. I bet the contract has a fourth-year team option too, so he'll get buyout $ from that (at worst). And presumably there's a signing bonus. (All of those things may be part of the $75 million number, who knows).

One thing Boras seemed to want was the highest AAV pitcher deal and it looks like he got it.

[Squire]

You are correct. The other National author said clearly that they did NOT forfeit the additional 500k but Zolecki's story says they do.

[harrisburghusker]

I would definitely trade a 3rd rounder for Arrieta...great sign for the organization

[andyb]

Yep. Perfect terms for us. We really do not care about anything financially in the next 3 years as it will be tough for us to have any luxury tax challenges even if we added 2 $40 million AAV players.

If it ends up being an overpay - so what. If it helps get them to the playoffs then great. Might even pay for itself with increased ratings and attendance. Ratings are important. Remember the team owns a portion of their TV channel. And if we are going to sign a pitcher we should sign one of the best (Darvish and Arrieta). Sends a signal.

[julio]

Heyman reporting some details:

Jon Heyman (JonHeyman)

[zambonir]

That's great. One year would have been too soon. If he's still so good that he's interested in opting out after 2019 they'd probably guarantee the fourth year (and if not, let some either team overpay him at that point). My guess is he'll be here.

I was at Cole's no-hitter in 2015, funny how things went since then.

[julio]

More:

Jon Heyman (JonHeyman)

[zambonir]

Seems like they've thought of everything (and that they've probably been working out these details for a week).

[andyb]

And if he gets whatever those Cy Young finishes are he would be worth $30M per year.

[Dirk41]

They must have other big plans in mind for next offseason. People talk about the Process for the Sixers, but what Klentak is doing has an obvious endgame and moving pieces. Excited for this year.

[zambonir]

I misread the Heyman tweet, I thought if he opted out, the Phillies could void it with a two-year extension that included Year 3. But it's the two years plus Year 3, so they would have to guarantee all five years to keep hime Still no big deal either way, we should be so lucky that he pitches well enough to put all that in motion.

[julio]

I misread the Heyman tweet, I thought if he opted out, the Phillies could void it with a two-year extension that included Year 3. But it's the two years plus Year 3, so they would have to guarantee all five years to keep hime Still no big deal either way, we should be so lucky that he pitches well enough to put all that in motion.

No, it works. After two seasons, Arrieta can opt out... unless the Phillies believe he's worth the extension ($20 million/year, going up if he's not only effective but a workhorse for two season, or if he's a Cy Young candidate). So the Phillies control those out-years. Evidently no player options; MacPhail/Klentak make the decision, based on Arrieta's performance, and on whatever else they have available at the time. So they only extend Arrieta if he's pitched well, and if he's not in the way of younger options.

Arrieta gets $55 million over two years, plus a third-year guarantee of $20 million, insurance against declining performance. And if he's still effective and the Phils want to go younger (or don't want those last two years), he's in the market again.

Interestingly creative deal - a bit of a change for the Phillies organization.