Washington Nationals Sign Bronson Arroyo To Minor League Deal
By Ricky Keeler
The Nats have added former Red starting pitcher Bronson Arroyo to a minor league deal with a major league invite to spring training
Last night, the Washington Nationals were able to add another pitcher to the team that could be their fifth starter, if it all goes right. Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports and MLB Network reported that Arroyo had agreed to join the Nats. It is a minor league deal with a major league invite to spring training. Pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report to spring training on February 18:
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
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Mark Sheldon of MLB.com was the first to report that the Nationals had offered Arroyo a minor league deal. Sheldon also was the first to report the terms of the deal last night:
Confirmed Arroyo to #nationals. A $2mil base in incentive laden deal if he makes team. Can earn up to $8 million if he makes 32 starts
— Mark Sheldon (@m_sheldon) January 27, 2016
Arroyo, who will be 39 on February 15, hasn’t pitched in a game since June 2014 after undergoing Tommy John surgery on his torn UCL. Over the course of his 15-year career, he is 145-131 with a ERA of 4.19. He has played for the Pirates, Red Sox, Reds, and Diamondbacks. If healthy, Arroyo should be able to eat innings when you consider he has thrown 200+ innings in eight of his 13 years.
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Arroyo did play for new manager Dusty Baker when Baker was manager of the Reds from 2008-2013. He won 12+ games in five of those six years. According to William Ladson of MLB.com, Baker ended up being a key factor in Arroyo deciding to sign with the Nationals. However, Arroyo’s best season in Cincinnati did not come with Baker as manager. In 2006, the right-hander went 14-11 in an All-Star year with a 3.29 ERA and had a WAR of 7.0 (fourth in the National League).
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It will be interesting to see what Arroyo’s role might be for the Nats in 2016. If he does stay healthy and makes the team when they leave Viera, Florida, you would think he would the number five starter in the rotation behind Tanner Roark. If that were to be the case, Joe Ross would likely start the season in the minor leagues. This signing seems to be one that is low risk and potentially a high return for the Washington Nationals.