Free agent pitcher Arrieta signs with the Phillies
Jake Arrieta finally found a deal he liked.
The free agent ace and the Philadelphia Phillies have reached agreement on a three-year contract, two people familiar with the decision told The Associated Press.
Both people spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity Sunday because the deal, reportedly worth $75 million, is pending a physical. Arrieta is joining the Phillies just 2 ½ weeks before opening day.
The 32-year-old Arrieta was among several top free agents who didn't get a contract for six or seven seasons in a changing market. The Phillies, who have plenty of money to spend, waited until the price was right for them.
Arrieta won the 2015 NL Cy Young Award with the Chicago Cubs and helped them win the World Series the next season. The right-hander was 14-10 with a 3.53 ERA last year.
The Phillies went 66-96 and finished last in the NL East, and haven't had a winning season since 2011. But they've added veteran slugger Carlos Santana, Arrieta and quality relievers to a young nucleus that could show considerable improvement.
Astros 5, Mets 2
Jacob deGrom made his spring debut for New York, pitching 2 2/3 innings and allowing two hits and a walk. DeGrom, who has been bothered by back stiffness since the start of camp, had his fastball reach 98 mph and struck out the side in the first. Yoenis Cespedes hit his third home run for the Mets.
Houston starter Lance McCullers Jr. went 3 2/3 innings and gave up one run on four hits and a walk while striking out five.
Marlins 7, Yankees 5
Aaron Judge homered for the first time this spring and Didi Gregorius hit his second for New York. Both home runs came against Miami prospect Sandy Alcantara, who pitched the last four innings in relief.
Jordan Montgomery got the start for the Yankees, pitching 2 1/3 innings and allowing four runs on five hits and two walks. Brian Anderson hit a three-run homer for the Marlins and Cameron Maybin added a two-run shot.
Orioles (SS) 7, Red Sox 3
Colby Rasmus and Chance Sisco drove in first-inning runs against Boston starter Rick Porcello, who pitched four innings, allowing four runs and seven hits.
Mookie Betts homered for the first time this spring and walked twice for the Red Sox and Hanley Ramirez had two hits and an RBI.
Cardinals 4, Nationals 3
Luke Weaver pitched four perfect innings and struck out four in his third start for St. Louis.
Former Norwich Free Academy standout Dominic Leone earned his third save of the spring by pitching a hitless ninth inning. He struck out one and walked one.