I want Jake Arrieta. You want Jake Arrieta. The Phillies themselves seemingly want Jake Arrieta and one would imagine that if the Phils offered up a long-term deal (one they’re not prepared to do as of this writing), Jake Arrieta would like to be a Phillie.
That being said, Jake Arrieta is not a Phillie, and he may never become one. If he doesn’t, the team will go into the 2018 regular season with Aaron Nola and a bunch of question marks behind him in the starting rotation.
Fortunately, the Phillies have a true top-of-the-rotation arm in the 24-year-old Nola, who manager Gabe Kapler announced will be the team’s Opening Day starter this year, the team’s youngest Opening Day starter since 1964.