Most predictable news ever, but here we are:
There is mutual interest between Bronson Arroyo and the Reds, with on-going conversations about a possible deal. Team saw him throw recently
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) January 26, 2017
Bronson Arroyo pitched for the Reds from 2006-2013, in the midst of his 15-year career. Did not pitch in the big leagues in '15 or '16.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) January 26, 2017
Any deal between the Reds and Arroyo would be a minor-league contract, if it happens.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) January 26, 2017
Long-time readers of Redleg Nation will remember that Bronson Arroyo was my favorite player pre-Billy Hamilton and post-Adam Dunn/Edwin Encarnacion. So I’m probably inclined to enjoy this news more than most.
But there’s very little downside, in my opinion. The Reds need innings-eaters in 2017. Arroyo used to be an innings-eater. Sure, he hasn’t pitched in a couple of years, but we’re just talking about a minor league contract. If Arroyo can make it back from injury, maybe he can give the Reds some decent innings — plus be a veteran presence around all the young pitchers we expect to see in Cincinnati this season.
If nothing else, it’s an interesting storyline for me to write about, and that’s enough for me.