As last year’s off-season played out, it became clear that the free agent market was working itself out in a way that would enable the Phillies to sign of the starting pitchers on the market.
The two starters perceived to be at the top of the heap were Yu Darvish and Jake Arrieta, with Alex Cobb, Lance Lynn, Tyler Chatwood and others a tier or two below.
The Cubs signed Darvish to a six-year, $126 million deal, the most expensive free agent contract given to a starting pitcher over the winter.