Say what you will about Jake Arrieta, but he’s not stupid. Arrieta had the option of becoming a free agent following this past season or finishing out the final year of his three-year deal with the Phillies. Coming off of two sub-par seasons and elbow surgery that cut his 2019 season short, Arrieta decided to finish out the deal, collecting $20-million for the 2020 season.

With Arrieta coming off elbow surgery to remove bone chips from his right elbow, his ability to be effective in 2020 is certainly drawn into question. On the open market, Arrieta wouldn’t have drawn offers even nearing the $20-million that he is guaranteed from the Phillies.

In his two seasons with the Phillies, Arrieta has put together a record of 18-19 with a 4.27 ERA. Prior to signing with the Phillies, Arrieta was 88-56 over eight seasons with a 3.57 ERA, prompting the Phillies to give him a three-year, $75-million contract. Arrieta was paid $30-million in 2018 when he went 10-11, 3.96 in 31 starts. This past season, Arrieta was paid $25-million and finished the year with 24 starts that resulted in an 8-8, 4.64 mark with the Phillies.

Arrieta will enter the free agent market following the season at the age of 34.