Washington Nationals: 5 free agents they should consider

Jake Arrieta

Jake Arrieta has pitched for a beltway team before, beginning his career with the Baltimore Orioles. With the Orioles, Arrieta was a mediocre starter. His best season with Baltimore was 2010, when he pitched to a 4.66 ERA in 18 starts.

However, Arrieta was traded to the Chicago Cubs in July of 2013. With the Cubs, he blossomed into an elite starter.

The highlight of Arrieta’s Cubs tenure was 2015, when he had one of the best individual seasons of all time. In 229 innings, he pitched to a 1.77 ERA and went 22-6, cruising to a Cy Young Award.

Now, at 31, Arrieta is a free agent. The Nats have a need for a starting pitcher, and they should absolutely consider signing Arrieta.

2017 was another great season for Arrieta, as he pitched to a 3.53 ERA in 168.1 innings. He did not have his typical workhorse season due to missing time with a hamstring injury, but still had a fantastic year.

Arrieta also provides postseason experience and success, two things the Nats are currently seeking. In nine postseason starts, he has pitched to a 3.08 ERA. He also has lots of experience, including wining the World Series in 2016.

Finally, Arrieta now has a connection to the Nats. New Nats manager Dave Martinez spent the last three seasons as the Cubs bench coach. Because of this, Arrieta is familiar with Martinez, which could attract him to the Nats.

The Nats have a need for a starting pitcher and there are several possible fits, but they should definitely consider signing Arrieta.