With Masahiro Tanaka off the market with a seven-year contract to the New York Yankees. Now, the remaining free agent pitchers can start to figure out their futures and begin negotiating contracts with all the teams that missed out on the Japanese ace. Bronson Arroyo is garnering the most interest of those remaining.
Several teams have expressed interest in the former Cincinnati Reds starter. Arroyo has more upside than most of the remaining free agents. The Reds did not make a qualifying offer on Arroyo. Any team looking to sign him will not have to repay the team with a draft pick and can dictate the contract more freely. Arroyo is also one of the more durable pitchers in the major leagues. The right-hander has never taken a trip to the disabled list and has led the league in starts and innings. The 37-year-old has also posted an ERA of below 3.90 the last four of five seasons, proving the arm strength is still there.
The Dodgers were the first team to being their pursuit of Arroyo. The team was willing to do anything to sign Tanaka and now that they have missed out on him, the desire for one more starter has led to Arroyo. However, the team has soured a bit considering Arroyo was requesting a three-year contract and the Dodgers were only offering up two years.
Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reports that Arroyo has expressed interest in lowering his contract demands for the right team. This has led to interest from the Los Angeles Angels. Heyman says the team has "a bit of interest" but would be ok entering spring training with their remaining roster. The Angels currently have Hector Santiago, Mark Mulder, Tyler Skaggs and Joe Blanton competing for the final spots in the rotation. Arroyo would certainly be the best option.
The Seattle Mariners are also throwing their name into the Arroyo race after missing out on Tanaka. According to ESPN, general manager Jack Zduriencik is not totally comfortable with the starting rotation and is looking to add another arm with Felix Hernandez. Much of the Mariners pitching rotation with hinge on how prospect Taijuan Walker develops. Getting in someone like Arroyo would certainly help.
If Arroyo is willing to take a year off his contract demands, the number of teams interested will continue to rise. Matt Garza unofficially/officially committed to the Minnesota Twins. It is only a matter of time before Arroyo is gone too.
