Starting pitcher Bronson Arroyo, who will be a free agent this offseason, believes that his time with the Cincinnati Reds is over as he seeks a three-year deal, reports the Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo.
Bronson Arroyo wants 3-year contract, doesn’t think Reds able to offer deal
Arroyo may not have a place in the Reds’ rotation even if he reduced his contract expectations.
Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE
More Reds coverage: Red Reporter
“I have no preference on where I want to pitch but I’ll certainly consider the team, their chances of winning, and all of that,” Arroyo told reporters. “I feel I can pitch effectively at 37, 38, and 39 years old. I’ve never missed a start. Never been injured. I’m not a max-effort guy out there, so there’s no big-time wear and tear on me. I loved Cincinnati but I don’t think they’re in position to give me what I want.”
Arroyo, 36, has been with the Reds since 2006, posting a 4.05 ERA in eight years with the team. He had two of his best seasons in 2012 and 2013 with a 3.74 and 3.79 ERA, respectively. He has also thrown 200 innings every year but one in the last nine seasons. That one time came in 2011, when he tossed 199 frames.
There is a lack of quality starting on the free agent market, which could help Arroyo's cause. Matt Garza, Hiroki Kuroda and A.J. Burnett (if Burnett and Kuroda choose not to retire) likely top the free agency pitching pile with riskier players such as Josh Johnson, Tim Lincecum and Dan Haren behind them. A team looking for consistency without breaking the bank could certainly turn to Arroyo.
The Reds have Tony Cingrani coming off an excellent rookie season to take Arroyo's starting spot in 2014. After posting a 2.92 ERA over 23 games in 2013, he is certainly the favorite to join Mat Latos, Johnny Cueto, Homer Bailey and Mike Leake in the Reds' rotation.
More from SB Nation MLB:
• ALDS updates: Red Sox-Rays | A’s-Tigers
• NLDS updates: Dodgers-Braves | Pirates-Cardinals
See More:
