Arrieta noted that while he hasn't "signed the papers" yet, he considers himself "done" with his playing career. It's a reversal of what Arrieta said early this past offseason when he indicated a plan to continue playing, but it's safe to say the offers probably weren't rolling in. That said, while the 36-year-old's 12-year career flamed out at the end, he'll always boasts one of the best seasons in modern history, having posted a 1.77 ERA during his NL Cy Young-winning 2015 campaign. All told, Arrieta held a 3.98 ERA and won 115 games for parts of 12 seasons while playing for four different clubs.

Arrieta registered an abysmal 7.39 ERA, 1.77 WHIP and 83/44 K/BB ratio across 98 2/3 innings (24 starts) between the Cubs and Padres last season. The 35-year-old righty will likely be forced to settle for a minor-league deal with an invite to spring training if he plans to continue his playing career.

Arrieta was released in late September after allowing an astonishing 16 runs (15 earned) across 12 1/3 innings (four starts) with the Padres after inking a minor-league deal in mid-August. The 35-year-old righty finishes the 2021 campaign with a calamitous 7.39 ERA, 1.77 WHIP and 83/44 K/BB ratio across 98 2/3 innings (24 starts) between the Cubs and Padres. Yikes.

Arrieta joined the Friars on a major league contract in mid-August, a few days after getting released by the Cubs, and wound up surrendering a whopping 16 runs -- 15 earned -- over four starts covering just 12 1/3 innings with San Diego. The veteran right-hander seems doubtful to attract any interest on waivers, especially considering that he exited his last outing Sunday versus the Cardinals due to a right adductor (groin) strain.