Frank Victores – USA Today Sports
The Minnesota Twins have expressed interest in picking up one of baseball’s most durable starters, Bronson Arroyo.
The 36-year-old Arroyo joined the list of available free agents after the Cincinnati Reds failed to make a one-year, $14.1 million qualifying offer last week.
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With 13 seasons in the major leagues, Arroyo would bring the experience that the Twins starting rotation desperately needs. His postseason chops aren’t lacking either, as Arroyo made three (2003, 2004, and 2005) October appearances with the Boston Red Sox and two (2010 and 2012) with the Reds. Arroyo also logged time with the Pittsburgh Pirates from 2000 to 2002 before joining the Red Sox in 2003.
The bulk of Arroyo’s career was spent in Cincinnati where he served as their ace for eight seasons spanning from 2006 to 2013.
Arroyo’s 2,278.2 innings pitched ranks 11th among all current active players and would bring the type of endurance the Twins are lacking. Among these 2k innings, Arroyo has maintained a 4.19 ERA, .521 win percentage, and a 1.30 WHIP. In the past two seasons, Arroyo has also managed to post an ERA below 4.00.
There’s really no downside to the Twins picking up Arroyo. The organization is currently looking to pick up two new starting pitchers, and regardless of who they choose things can’t really get any worse than the 2013 Twins who had the worst starting rotation in baseball. Looking for a three-year contract, Arroyo would be a good fit for the Twins as they look to fill their young roster with veteran players.
Caroline Ponessa is a Minnesota Twins writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow her on Twitter @RantCaroline
