Jake Arrieta, born on March 6, 1986, is a distinguished former professional baseball pitcher who made a significant impact in Major League Baseball (MLB) playing for teams such as the Baltimore Orioles, Chicago Cubs, Philadelphia Phillies, and San Diego Padres.
Arrieta's journey began in college baseball, where he showcased his talent at Weatherford Junior College and Texas Christian University (TCU). His exceptional performance earned him All-American honors and the title of Mountain West Conference Pitcher of the Year. In 2007, he was selected by the Orioles in the fifth round of the MLB draft, signing a record contract for a fifth-round pick.
Making his MLB debut in 2010, Arrieta quickly established himself as a formidable pitcher. After four seasons with the Orioles, he was traded to the Cubs in 2013. His career reached new heights in 2015 when he led the league with twenty-two wins, pitched a no-hitter, and was awarded the National League Cy Young Award. The following year, he was named an NL All-Star, threw his second no-hitter, received a Silver Slugger Award, and celebrated a World Series victory with the Cubs.
In 2018, Arrieta signed a lucrative three-year contract worth seventy-five million dollars with the Phillies. However, his tenure was marred by injury, leading to season-ending surgery in August 2019. He made a comeback during the shortened 2020 season but returned to the Cubs in 2021, only to be released mid-season and subsequently signed with the Padres. Arrieta announced his retirement from professional baseball after the conclusion of the 2021 season.