Report: Phillies ‘Looming as Favorite’ to Add Jake Arrieta

The Phillies have a ton of arms competing for what looks like two spots at the back end of their rotation, but according from Bob Nightengale of USA Today, that competition could be down to one spot.

The Phillies could look to add another big-name free agent starter in the form of Jake Arrieta, according to a recent tweet from Nightengale.

Per Nightengale's tweet, the Phillies are "looming as the favorite" to add the veteran right-hander.

How about a starting rotation that starts with Arrieta and Aaron Nola, along with Jerad Eickhoff and Vince Velazqez, heading north in a few weeks. Then the Phillies would be free to choose from any number of candidates — like Mark Leiter Jr., Zach Eflin, Nick Pivetta, Ben Lively, or others — for the final spot in their starting rotation.

Early this winter, Arrieta reportedly was seeking a 4-5 year contract, the Phillies would rather less years and more money. So maybe Arrieta is ready to compromise, after fellow starer Lance Lynn struck a deal with the Minnesota Twins earlier this week on a one-year, $12 million deal.

The 32-year-old right-hander posted a 3.53 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, and 163/55 K/BB ratio over 168 1/3 innings (30 starts) last season with the Cubs.