Arrieta believes extension with Cubs still possible

Pitchers and catchers for the Chicago Cubs partook in their first official spring training workout Wednesday, and although he's still got a full season ahead of him to negotiate a new contract, Jake Arrieta was already fielding questions about his future in the Windy City.

The 30-year-old winner of the 2015 National League Cy Young Award is eligible for free agency at season's end, and after two impressive back-to-back seasons he'd surely do well on the open market if he was actually interested in leaving the Cubs.

"Time flies quickly," Arrieta told reporters, including ESPN's Jesse Rogers, on Wednesday. "It feels like only a few months ago that I was traded over here and starting my career as a Cub. I've had some incredible experiences with this organization. I owe a lot to this team, this organization, this ownership. I don't want to see that time come to an end, but unfortunately the business side shows its head every once in a while. I still think there is opportunity and chances we can have good conversations as far as an extension is concerned."

There has been no movement on an extension between the Cubs and Arrieta since the two sides avoided arbitration with a $15.637-million contract in January, according to Rogers. That doesn't mean anything to Arrieta, who believes talks will happen.

"There is an open dialogue there," he said. "I believe we will have talks. I don't think it's really my No.1 priority. I want to focus on my health and coming into camp and being well rested and in as good a shape as I possibly can."

Arrieta is 40-14 over the past two seasons and has been one of the best hurlers in all of baseball since the beginning of 2015.