Calling the events of this offseason unprecedented is pretty accurate. Here we are, a week into March and multiple top-tier free agents remain unsigned. The last major free agent signing? The Chicago Cubs’ six-year deal with right-hander Yu Darvish worth $126 million.
The man he replaced, Jake Arrieta, though, seems unlikely to crack an Opening Day roster. The Cubs open the Major League Baseball regular season slate three weeks from today with a matchup against the Miami Marlins. Depending on how Arrieta has been working out and where he’s at in his throwing program, it’s entirely possible he wouldn’t be ready by that time – regardless of where he signs.