The Minnesota Twins are very interested in signing free agent righthander Bronson Arroyo. They have already called and spoken with the veteran starter according to a person with direct knowledge of the situation, but they yet to make a formal offer for Arroyo.
There appears to be mutual interest from both sides in getting something done as Arroyo has a history and good relationship with Twins special assistant Wayne Krivsky. He was the Reds general manager who brought Arroyo to Cincinnati in March 2006, sending outfielder Wily Mo Pena to Boston in a two-player deal that proved to be very one-sided.
Arroyo, 37, is one of the most durable starters in the game, tossing 199 pr more innings for nine straight seasons. He has averaged 13.2 wins and 210 2/3 innings in that span.
Last week, Dan Martin of the New York Post spoke to Arroyo’s agent, who told him that the he would consider signing with the Mets.
“Bronson is an East Coast guy and would definitely consider the Mets,” Terry Bross, said. “But we’re going to take our time with this.”
The Mets are in the market for one if not two innings-eaters for the back end of the rotation to reduce the workload on Zack Wheeler and not be forced into rushing Rafael Montero to the majors.
The Reds did not make a qualifying offer to Arroyo, who recently completed a three-year, $35 million contract and has a career earned run average of 4.19. He has averaged $12 million in salary over his past five seasons and is coming off a 14-12 season with a 3.79 ERA.
Tim Dierkes of MLB Trade Rumors believes that Arroyo will get a deal for two years and $24 million, and that the Mets, Twins, Giants, and several other teams will have interest in him as they look to solidify the backend of their rotation.
