Those who bought 2016 Cubs World Series memorabilia from Fanatics received over 20 signatures but no Jake Arrieta autographs. The veteran ace opted not to sign for the company following the Cubs drought-breaking triumph over Cleveland. 
He’s now in the fold.
Fanatics announced an exclusive collectibles and memorabilia partnership with the 2015 NL Cy Young Award winner on Wednesday. The deal covers autographs and game-used memorabilia.
What he’s getting paid wasn’t revealed.
Just months after capturing the Chicago Cubs’ first World Series Championship in 108 years, Arrieta becomes the latest athlete to join Fanatics’ exclusive roster that includes teammates Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo along with other star athletes past and present including David Ortiz, Steph Curry, Peyton Manning and Connor McGregor.
“Fanatics is the industry leader for licensed sports memorabilia, and I knew they would be the perfect partner for me,” said Arrieta. “It’s great to get back to work at training camp and to see the fans come out and welcome us as champions – it should be another exciting season.”
The partnership marks Arrieta’s first-ever exclusive memorabilia deal. He joined other Cubs players for a signing in Arizona this week.
Over the last three seasons, Arrieta has been one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball. Since being traded to the Cubs in 2013, he has pitched two no-hitters and amassed a win-loss record of 50-19, which includes his Cy Young season in 2015 when he went 22-6 with a 1.77 ERA. In 2016 he was selected to his first All-Star Game and was instrumental in helping the Cubs take home their first title since 1908, winning Games 2 and 6 during the World Series run.
Fanatics says game-used pieces from the World Series are among the items that will be for sale.
Arrieta signed items are already up for sale on the Fanatics website.
There was no immediate word on whether fans who bought those “team-signed” baseballs, photos, bats and other items will be able to send them in and add Arrieta’s sign them for a fee. ESPN reported Arrieta would be making an appearance at the May Fanatics Authentic show in Chicago.
The company will also be offering autographed items from Cubs’ General Manager Theo Epstein.
Related Stories:
Notes: Maddux to Sign at NSCC; Bruins Cup Jerseys; Fanatics-Kohl’s Partnering
Steiner Sports Sold to Fanatics
Yankees, Fanatics Agree to Game-Used Memorabilia Partnership
Report: Topps’ Eisner Talked Sale Last Winter, Dismissed Questions About Licenses
Prepare to Pivot: Leaf’s Gray Offers Message to Industry in Wake of New Trading Card Player
Notes: Starting Lineup Figures to Return; Wawa Selling Topps Cards; $500K Vlad Jr. Card
Game Used Items, HOF Autographs, Cards Part of Fanatics Auction
2022 Black Friday Weekend, Cyber Monday Sports Card and Sports Memorabilia Deals
