Dodgers News: Bronson Arroyo Interest Not Known, Sides Have Spoken

After losing out on the Masahiro Tanaka sweepstakes, the Los Angeles Dodgers are reportedly still in the market to add another starting pitcher. With Josh Beckett penciled into the fifth and final spot in the rotation and pitchers Stephen Fife, Matt Magill and possibly prospect Zach Lee looming if he falters, signing a veteran arm to short-term deal is possible.

Tier B free agent starters Matt Garza, Ervin Santana, Ubaldo Jimenez and Bronson Arroyo didn’t see much movement while all of baseball was consumed with Tanaka, but it sounds like they’ll find new homes shortly. Garza is in talks with the Milwaukee Brewers, but many believe Arroyo will come off the board shortly and his representatives have spoken to the Dodgers according to Jon Heyman of CBSSports:

arroyo’s people also had conversation with dodgers after tanaka went to yanks. uncertain how interested LAD is tho.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) January 24, 2014

Once Tanaka came off the board, many expected the Dodgers to pursue Arroyo, but it was reported that GM Ned Colletti was fine even if a starter wasn’t signed. The soon-to-be 37-year-old starter spent the last eight seasons with the Cincinnati Reds and while he’s extremely durable, the Dodgers might be better off letting someone else sign him.

Other than the Dodgers, Arroyo has drawn interest from the Baltimore Orioles and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, two teams who need a starting pitcher much more. Earlier this off-season, it was reported that Arroyo was looking for a three-year deal, but the Dodgers would be more comfortable signing him to a one or two year deal.

Dodgers pitchers and catchers are set to report to Camelback Ranch in about two weeks so a deal between them and Arroyo would definitely have to get done in short order.

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