Three teams have emerged as finalists for Bronson Arroyo's services, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today Sports.
Three teams are ‘finalists’ for Bronson Arroyo
Bronson Arroyo might be getting close to signing, with three teams said to be finalists for the right-hander.
Andy Lyons
The Dodgers, the Orioles, and the Diamondbacks, whom Nightengale calls "slight favorites," are all vying for Arroyo, and it appears the right-hander could be close to signing. On Tuesday, Jon Morosi of Fox Sports reported that the Dodgers were in active talks with Arroyo, but now both the Orioles and Diamondbacks have entered the bidding.
News surrounding Arroyo and his possible destination had quieted in recent weeks, with the 36-year-old admitting to ESPN's Jayson Stark last Tuesday, "I don't even have an offer to turn down." Despite interest from the Twins earlier this offseason, Arroyo had grown frustrated with his lack of progress in finding a new team for 2014.
That appears to be changing now, as Arroyo has been linked to multiples teams over the past couple of days. Earlier on Wednesday, ESPN’s Buster Olney tweeted, “If Bronson Arroyo wants to pitch for the Dodgers, I’d bet there’s a two-year deal waiting for him.”
The potential parameters of a deal for Arroyo have yet to be publicized, although he was reportedly looking for at least a two-year contract back in October.
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Despite his advanced age, the right-hander has been a dependable performer for the Reds dating back to 2006. Last season, he posted a 3.79 ERA with 124 strikeouts and just 34 walks in 202 innings pitched. He did, however, give up a NL-leading 32 home runs.
Even so, Arroyo has been a picture of consistency in Cincinnati, compiling a 4.05 ERA in eight seasons for the Reds and never failing to throw less than 199 innings in a single season over that time span. Any team that signs Arroyo would be getting a steady performer who can hold down the back-end of a rotation.
Whether that team is the Diamondbacks, the Dodgers, the Orioles, or someone else remains to be seen. Regardless, after weeks of inactivity, it appears Arroyo could finally be settling on a home for the 2014 season in the coming days.
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