SARASOTA, Fla. _ The Phillies waited out the starting pitcher market and appear to have come out as winners as they moved close to a multi-year deal on Sunday with former Cy Young winner Jake Arrieta.
The deal _ which was first reported by NBC Sports Philadelphia's Jim Salisbury _ gives the Phillies a much needed arm for their questionable starting rotation. Arrieta, who turned 32 earlier this month, had a 3.53 ERA last season in 30 starts with the Cubs. He has made at least 30 starts in each of the last three seasons.
Arrieta join a rotation with Aaron Nola, Jerad Eickhoff, Vince Velasquez, and Nick Pivetta. Arrieta's price fell as spring training rolled on and he did not have a team.
