(Getty)
After a 6-0 shutout win over the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday night, the Cleveland Indians hold a 1-0 lead in the World Series.
Cubs’ Jake Arrieta is hoping to even the series with a strong performance on the mound in Game 2.
The 2015 Cy Young winner had a 1.74 ERA through June 22, but posted a 4.44 ERA over his final 16 starts with 41 walks in 99⅓ innings. In two postseason games, Arrieta is 0-1 with a 4.91 ERA.
“It’s why you play the whole season,” Arrieta said. “To hopefully be in this position to be one of the last two teams standing with an opportunity to win a World Series for your organization, your city, for your team, friends and family. So it means a ton. You know, there’s only two of 30 that even get these opportunities. Not many players — there are some players that go their whole career without being able to get to the postseason. So we’re all very fortunate.”
As Arrieta aims to lead his team to a win tonight at Progressive Field, here is a look at his net worth, salary and contract.
1. His Net Worth Is Estimated at $20 Million
(Getty)
The right-handed ace has a net worth estimated at $20 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
2. Arrieta Earned $10.7 Million in 2016
One of the best bargains in baseball, Arrieta earned $10.7 million this year after avoiding arbitration.
As CBS Chicago notes, that’s the highest-ever single-season contract for a pitcher with four years of MLB service time. Coming into 2016, Arrieta had earned a little more than $5.5 million in career salary.
Arrieta had a Cy Young-winning campaign in 2015 in which he pitched to a 1.77 ERA and 4.92 K/BB ratio in 229 innings. He finished last season with a 22-6 record.
3. Arrieta Becomes a Free Agent After the 2017 Season
(Getty)
The 30-year-old right-hander is slated for free agency after the 2017 season.
Arrieta’s situation was thrust back into the media spotlight when news hit of Stephen Strasburg signing a seven-year, $175 million contract with the Washington Nationals in May. Strasburg inked the extension before he hit free agency.
Arrieta is represented by high-profile agent Scott Boras, the same agent as Strasburg. His clients often head to the open market.
In May, Arrieta was asked if he would accept a “hometown discount,” according to the Chicago Tribune.
He replied with a direct answer: “No.”
“If they want to talk, they know where I’m at,” Arrieta told the paper. “You want to be paid in respect to how your peers are paid.”
ESPN’s Jesse Rogers believes the Cubs need to act swiftly on a long-term contract, writing in May:
Yes, it has to be for seven years and at least $200 million. Forget age and forget the final two digits on the front of that deal: $210 million or $215 million or $220 million, what’s the difference?
If it hamstrings the Cubs five years from now, so what? Maybe by then they will have groomed a No. 1 or No. 2 starter. Barring injuries, it’s the last big contract the Cubs have to take care of until the bashers come up for free agency. Replacing Hammel, Lackey and even Hendricks is much more doable. That’s where a trade or signing of a Tyson Ross or a Danny Salazar could come in. But how do you replace Arrieta?
You don’t. You keep him.
4. Arrieta Made $3.63 million in 2015
(Getty)
Arrieta’s $10.7 million salary in 2016 was a well-deserved increase, but significant pay raise from the $3.63 million he earned in 2015.
According to CBS Chicago, Arrieta’s 2016 salary was higher than the midpoint of the sides’ previously exchanged figures. The Cubs’ figure was $7.5 million, while Arrieta’s was $13 million.
5. Arrieta Received a $1.1 Million Signing Bonus in 2007
(Getty)
Arrieta was selected by the Baltimore Orioles in the fifth round of the 2007 Major League Baseball draft and received a $1.1 million signing bonus. At the time, it was the largest signing bonus for a fifth round draft pick.
Here is a look at his salaries since playing in Major League Baseball, according to Baseball Reference:
2011 Baltimore Orioles $419,000
2012 Baltimore Orioles $488,500
2013 Chicago Cubs $516,500
2014 Chicago Cubs $500,000
2015 Chicago Cubs $3,630,000
2016 Chicago Cubs $10,700,000
