MESA, Ariz. _ Jake Arrieta spoke Wednesday about his contract situation with the calmness and confidence that has mirrored the breakthrough in his time with the Cubs.
"I think there's an open dialogue there and believe we will have talks," said Arrieta, who will earn $15.6 million this year before becoming eligible for free agency. "But I don't think it's my No. 1 priority. I just wanted to focus on my health and coming into camp as well-rested and in as good of shape as I possibly can.
"That's the position I'm in. If we have those conversations, we'll sit down and hash some things out, see if we can get something worked out. If it happens, great. If not, we'll continue to move forward, take it day-by-day and focus on being as good as I can for the rotation."
After becoming an enigma during three and a half seasons with the Orioles, Arrieta has experienced a renaissance with the Cubs that has included two no-hitters, the 2015 National League Cy Young Award and two victories in the 2016 World Series.
Meanwhile, the Cubs could have as many as three openings in their 2018 rotation and already have two players _ Jon Lester and Jason Heyward _ scheduled to earn more than $21 million each next year. Also, contract length could be an issue for Arrieta, 30, and the Cubs.
Arrieta put things in perspective when asked about the possibility this would be his last spring training with the Cubs.
"Time flies quickly," Arrieta said before the first workout for pitchers and catchers. "It feels like only a few months ago that I was traded over here and starting my career as a Cub in 2013, and had some incredible experiences with that organization. I owe a lot to this team, this organization, the ownership. But I don't want to see that time come to an end, my time as a Cub.
"Unfortunately, the business side of the game shows its head every once in a while. But I still think there's opportunity and chances we can have good conversations as far as an extension is concerned and see if we can get some work done."
Arrieta tempered the belief that he would be facing plenty of pressure in his final season before free agency.
"Once you get to a certain point in your career, it's a little bit easier to put that out of mind," Arrieta said. "Financially, it's not a big worry for myself individually. The less of a distraction it can play on the team and everyone in this clubhouse, the better.
"I don't typically like to verbalize a lot of those things from an individual-contract situation because it can take some attention away from what we're trying to do here collectively. I don't mind addressing it and talking about it if those things do come up. Again, my main focus will continue to be trying to help these guys as much as I can for the season."
