For many years, the name Jake Arrieta was synonymous with one of the Cubs’ most glorious eras. When he officially announced his retirement in 2022 after 12 MLB seasons, many believed Arrieta’s journey with the Cubs had come to an end.
But baseball always finds a way to bring icons back to where they belong.
In their latest announcement, the Cubs confirmed Arrieta will take on a role as a pitching coach, focusing on supporting young pitchers within the team’s system and working directly with coaching staff to develop pitching strategies.
It’s a completely new role, but one that many believe Arrieta was born to play.
It’s no coincidence that the Cubs chose Arrieta.
During his peak from 2014 to 2016, Arrieta was considered one of the most dominant pitchers in MLB. His peak came in the 2015 season when he won the National League’s Cy Young Award, with an ERA of just 1.77 and a record of 22 wins.
A year later, he became a crucial piece in the Cubs’ historic 2016 World Series championship win, ending the team’s 108-year title drought.
The Cubs’ victory in Cleveland remains one of the most moving stories in American sports history.
And Arrieta was an integral part of that story.
During the announcement of his new role, Arrieta couldn’t hide his emotion when mentioning his former team.
“Chicago will always be home to me,” Arrieta shared.
“What we experienced here, especially in 2016, changed my life forever. Having the opportunity to return and help the Cubs’ new generation of pitchers develop is something I am incredibly proud of.”
He also emphasized that his goal wasn’t to replicate the past, but to help the team build the future.
“Baseball always moves forward. My job is to help young pitchers understand how to compete in MLB, how to maintain confidence, and how to overcome difficult times.”
In recent seasons, the Cubs have invested heavily in developing pitching within their farm system.
Many promising young pitchers are preparing to move up to MLB, and the team’s leadership believes Arrieta’s experience can make a big difference.
A member of the Cubs’ coaching staff stated:
“Jake understands the pressure of being an ace in Chicago. He’s been through it all – from the tough times to the World Series. That’s invaluable experience for young pitchers.”
In addition to working directly with the pitcher, Arrieta will also be involved in analyzing modern pitching tactics, helping the team combine traditional experience with modern analytical data.
For Cubs fans, Arrieta’s return means far more than just a coaching role.
It’s like reopening a glorious chapter in the team’s history.
At Wrigley Field, Arrieta’s name is always mentioned with special respect.
His dominant pitching, no-hitter games, and unwavering fighting spirit made him one of the most beloved pitchers in modern Cubs history.
This time, Arrieta will no longer be on the mound in front of tens of thousands of spectators.
Instead, he will be behind the scenes, observing, guiding, and passing on the experience he has accumulated throughout his career.
But for the Cubs, that role can be just as important as the shots that once shook MLB.
Because sometimes, a legend’s legacy isn’t just about what they do on the court – it’s about what they pass on to the next generation.
And in Chicago, Jake Arrieta’s journey with the Cubs seems to have just begun a new chapter.
