This morning, Brett discussed a report that the Chicago Cubs and Jake Arrieta had talked about an extension in the offseason, but there was a gap in the number of years that precluded at deal for now.
Since, both Arrieta and Cubs President Theo Epstein have confirmed those talks, and added a little more context.
I have to say, it was pretty exciting to hear some concrete words from the player and president, themselves, because for so long an extension has been nothing more than a hypothetical.
While no deal was agreed upon between the two sides – who were apparently far off in terms of overall contract length – the existence of conversations are usually a good sign.
From Arrieta:
Arrieta says #Cubs offer was for shorter term than he wanted. Says "I want to stay here for six or seven years, and that's it"
— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) March 8, 2016
Arrieta: "you do have to capitalize, but the money is good in this industry." Confirmed he's involved in long-term talks …
— Mark Gonzales (@MDGonzales) March 8, 2016
Simply “having discussions” don’t necessarily indicate a greater chance of a deal, but knowing where the other side stands is the first step to completing one – which we’d all like to see, of course.
From Epstein:
Theo says talks with Jake are good. Lays the foundation for what's to come, potentially:
— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) March 8, 2016
“Sometimes negotiations are about empathy. Seeing things from the other party’s perspective and understanding things better.”
— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) March 8, 2016
Theo on extension talks with Arrieta (w/ no deal): "Maybe the talks will provide a foundation for something to get done down the road.”
— Gordon Wittenmyer (@GDubCub) March 8, 2016
Epstein on Arrieta talks: "I wouldn’t rule anything out or anything in (in-season), but we’re not hiding the ball.There are no active talks"
— Mark Gonzales (@MDGonzales) March 8, 2016
Theo: “Jake’s going to be a Cub for the nxt 2 seasons at a min. We hope longer than that. That provides lot of time to get something done.”
— Gordon Wittenmyer (@GDubCub) March 8, 2016
Theo on Arrieta contract: “There will be quiet moments out of the competitive spotlight in the future where it will make sense to talk again
— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) March 8, 2016
Like I said, it’s important to get the conversation started. No negotiations in the history of negotiating have ever begun with both sides immediately agreeing upon every line item on the table. The only way you can ever get to that point is by laying the groundwork and putting your wants/needs on the table.
[adinserter block=”2″]So, then, while it was exciting to hear about these discussions for the first time today, it sounds like that may be it, for the time being. Contract extensions are often discussed during the Spring, when the craziness of the season is not weighing on everyone’s mind, but they usually quiet down quite quickly, thereafter.
So, if you don’t hear anything by the end of March, even though Epstein says he wouldn’t rule it out, it’s unlikely we hear about a deal – if at all – until the 2017 offseason.
Hey, at least the man, himself, wants to stay:
#Cubs Arrieta: "I think we're in a good place. Everyone knows I want to stay in Chicago but it's got to be the right deal."
— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) March 8, 2016