Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports
Adding another potential starting pitcher remains a possibility for the Arizona Diamondbacks and there are indications that the team could potentially look at pursuing either Bronson Arroyo or A.J. Burnett. The team does not yet appear to have contacted either player’s agent.
Arroyo has spent the past eight seasons with the Cincinnati Reds, pitching to a 4.05 ERA and 1.268 WHIP in that stretch. He’s pitching 200+ innings in eight of his last nine seasons, leading some surprise to his comments earlier this week that he’s yet to receive a single offer this offseason. A veteran presence with some post season experience under his belt, Arroyo all along appeared to be a more cost-effective alternative to free agents Ubaldo Jimenez and Ervin Santana, yet he remains available on the market without much indication regarding where he could end up.
Nick Cafardo at The Boston Globe has learned that the D’backs are “beginning to kick the tires” on Arroyo. If the team can land him on a two year deal at an affordable rate he could be a strong addition.
Nick Piecoro at AZCentral.com relays that the team could have an interest in Burnett as well, but the internal believe is that the right-hander would rather pitch on the East Coast so he can be closer to his home in Maryland. The interest may not be mutual, which would quickly put an end to discussions right there. He too could make a nice addition to this team’s rotation on the right terms.