Cubs, Arrieta talking long-term extension
It's quite possible the Chicago Cubs and National League Cy Young Award winner Jake Arrieta will avoid next Tuesday's scheduled arbitration hearing by agreeing to a long-term extension.
"We've had a lot of conversations with their side and we'll continue to have those conversations," general manager Jed Hoyer told ESPN's Jesse Rogers. "We'll keep the particulars confidential."
A $5.5-million gap exists between the two parties with regards to Arrieta's 2016 salary. The righty filed for $13 million, while the Cubs countered with a $7.5-million offer. Chicago hasn't gone to arbitration with a player since Hoyer took over as GM in 2011.
Related: Arbitration prediction: Jake Arrieta vs. Cubs
"Our record shows we like to settle but at the same time you can only settle if you have a number that makes sense," Hoyer added. "Our feelings about Jake are well known but if we can't reach a number that makes sense for the club then that's what a hearing is for."
Arrieta is under team control through the 2017 season, and he's hoping to avoid the arbitration process in the future.
"It is absolutely realistic," Arrieta recently said when asked about the possibility of signing a long-term extension. "Myself, my wife and kids are extremely happy here in Chicago. It is up to the Cubs and my agent to get together and have that conversation and see where it goes."
The 29-year-old enjoyed the best second half of any hurler in baseball history in 2015, posting a 12-1 record with a microscopic 0.75 ERA in 15 starts after the All-Star break.