CHICAGO – A wave of rumors is stirring up the baseball world: Jake Arrieta, the legendary pitcher who led the Chicago Cubs to a historic championship in 2016, is reportedly preparing to sign a huge contract to return to Wrigley Field – but what has stunned fans is that his role remains completely secret.
According to multiple sources within the team, a “special deal” is being negotiated between Arrieta and Cubs management. While no one confirmed the details, an anonymous MLB official revealed to ESPN that:
“If this deal comes true, it will be one of the most iconic deals of the decade. Jake is not just a former player – he is the soul of Wrigley.”
Arrieta, who won the Cy Young Award in 2015 and played a key role in helping the Cubs end a “108-year curse” to win the 2016 World Series, has announced his retirement in 2022. He currently lives with his family in Austin, Texas, and regularly appears on sports programs as a commentator.
That is why the rumor that he is about to “come back” has shocked the entire MLB community.
Some sources speculate that the Cubs may be looking to hire Arrieta to take on the role of primary pitching coach, helping develop young talents like Justin Steele or Shota Imanaga. However, reporters close to the team confirmed:
“This is not just a coaching position. From the way the contract is described – this could be a strategic role, or even a special return on the field.”
In a short interview earlier this month, Arrieta made Cubs fans choke up when he shared:
“I may be leaving the ballpark, but my heart has never left Chicago. Wrigley Field is the place that turned an unknown guy into a legend.”
That statement made many fans believe that his return is real.
On social network X (Twitter), the hashtags #ArrietaIsBack and #WrigleyWhispers are exploding. One fan wrote:
“If Jake really comes back, I will cry. He is a symbol of the Cubs spirit – of the years of never giving up.”
The contract could be worth between $20 million and $30 million over three years, a surprisingly large sum for an unspecified role, according to the report. Some experts have speculated that it could be a “mixed package,” which could include a small ownership stake in the organization or a senior advisory role for the training system.
“If the Cubs are offering that amount, they don’t just want Arrieta back for the name — they want him for the morale. He represents the identity the team is looking to restore,” said reporter Ken Rosenthal.
The Cubs have yet to comment, but sources close to the matter say a “special announcement” could be made as early as next week.
If the rumors are confirmed, this event could be an “emotional earthquake” in Chicago, bringing back the golden memories of 2016 – when Jake Arrieta and his teammates brought the first championship title in more than a century.
While fans wait, Arrieta’s latest status on Instagram has social media exploding:
“There are places that never leave our hearts. See you soon, Wrigley.”
If this contract comes true, Jake Arrieta will return not only as a legend – but as a symbol of faith and revival for the Chicago Cubs.
The only question that remains is: What is he coming back for – and will it change the future of the Cubs once again?
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