UPDATE: The deal has been announced.
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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UPDATE: Arroyo has reportedly chosen the Nationals.
Source: Bronson Arroyo heading to #Nationals.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 27, 2016
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UPDATE:
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
The latest on Arroyo: #reds medical department has examined arm; he's thrown in bullpen. Four other teams interested https://t.co/HsmDeQ1t3A
— Mark Sheldon (@m_sheldon) January 25, 2016
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UPDATE: MLB Insider Peter Gammons says the Miami Marlins are also interested in Arroyo.
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Bronson Arroyo's last pitch in the MLB came on June 15, 2014. The right-hander was forced to undergo Tommy John surgery after injuring his elbow, but rumors suggest a couple of clubs are looking to sign him for 2016.
FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal is reporting the Washington Nationals are "showing interest" in Arroyo, as the situation presented a "possible reunion" with the right-hander's former manager, Dusty Baker. Arroyo played under Baker for six seasons while the two were with the Reds.
The Nationals have long been looking for a starter, but have been reluctant to spend big money in their endeavors. Arroyo, 39, presents a good opportunity for them since he's more than likely to sign a short-term deal due to his age and recent health issue.
Earlier today Robert Murray of Baseball Essential reported that Arroyo, who is believed to be 100 percent healthy following his reconstructive elbow procedure, threw for the Cincinnati Reds, but it's "unclear how the workout went."
ESPN's Jayson Stark reported back in December that Washington and Cincinnati were potential destinations for Arroyo in addition to Pittsburgh, Baltimore, San Diego, Atlanta and Philadelphia.
The right-hander has spent 15 years in the MLB with the Reds, Pirates, Red Sox and Diamondbacks. He was traded to the Atlanta Braves at the non-waiver deadline in July in a deal that essentially saw the Braves eat the rest of Arroyo's salary in exchange for pitcher Touki Toussaint.
Arroyo remains an intriguing target since he's an experienced MLB veteran and is going to be a low-risk investment. Both the Nats and Reds could use some reinforcement to deepen their starting rotations, so keep an eye on this development as the offseason progresses.
Arroyo is well removed from his Tommy John procedure, but he's spent a lot of time away from the game. His health likely isn't a big concern, but his ability to get back up to speed at the MLB level probably is.
