After multiple reports which said the Washington Nationals had interest in free agent right-hander Bronson Arroyo, an MLB.com writer, Mark Sheldon, reported on Monday that the starter said the Nats offered the 38-going-on-39-year-old pitcher a minor league deal:
Arroyo told me decision on signing could be soon. Nats offered minor lg deal. #reds could present offer soon. He threw on Fri. Story coming
— Mark Sheldon (@m_sheldon) January 25, 2016
Arroyo, who missed all of the 2015 season following Tommy John surgery, was traded twice while he was rehabbing last season, with the Arizona Diamondbacks dealing him to the Atlanta Braves and the Braves trading him to the Los Angeles Dodgers before he was granted free agency this past November.
The veteran of 15-year major league seasons as a starter has history with new Nats' skipper Dusty Baker.
Baker managed the right-hander from 2008-2013 when both were in Cincinnati.
In his last full season in the majors in 2013 with the Reds, Arroyo was (14-12) with a 3.79 ERA, a 4.49 FIP, 34 walks (1.51 BB/9) and 124 Ks (5.52 K/9) in 32 starts and 202 innings pitched.
In 14 starts for the D-Backs in 2014, Arroyo was (7-4) with a 4.08 ERA, a 4.32 FIP, 19 walks (1.99 BB/9) and 47 Ks (4.92 K/9) in 86 innings before he was shut down with the elbow issue.
According to FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal, who had previously reported on the Nationals' interest, they've signed Arroyo, though details of the deal were not included with the first report:
Source: Bronson Arroyo heading to #Nationals.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 27, 2016
Will Arroyo challenge for a role in the Nationals' rotation, or start the year as rotation depth?
Can the veteran righty push either Tanner Roark or Joe Ross from the rotation, or will he ply his trade in Syracuse and wait for an opportunity?
More info when it's available...
UPDATE: The Nationals confirmed it's a minor league deal with an invitation to Spring Training:
The #Nats have agreed to terms with RHP Bronson Arroyo on a Minor League contract with an invitation to Major League Spring Training.
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) January 27, 2016