Cincinnati Reds to Sign Former Pitcher, Bronson Arroyo

The Cincinnati Reds are on the move to sign former Cincinnati Reds pitcher, Bronson Arroyo.

Bronson Arroyo, 39, has passed a physical and will look to resurface as a veteran presence for the Cincinnati Reds pitching staff. Arroyo last played for the Reds in 2013. Arroyo is set to turn 40 at the end of the month. Why would the Reds look to sign a pitcher that is way past his prime?

Veterans Are Hard to Come By

The one thing that comes to mind after hearing about the Arroyo situation is the fact that the Reds are lacking familiarity and a veteran presence. Homer Bailey and Tony Cingrani were the only two current pitchers on the roster the last time that Arroyo suited up for the Red Legs. This pitching staff has definitely had a makeover. Bryan Price and company have been looking for experienced arms.

More from Reds News

• Reds: 3 players Cincinnati must find trade partners for this offseason
• Reds vs. Nationals: Pitching preview, prediction, and more
• Reds: David Bell’s new contract was the right move at the wrong time
• Reds: Multi-run innings have hurt Michael Lorenzen this season
• Reds fan bares all in fulfilling awkward 2021 World Series bet

The past few weeks have proved that the Cincinnati front office is working to add to the pitching depth and experience. The signing of Drew Storen and Louis Coleman are proof that the Reds understand there is a need for experience. These additions could be a sign that Cincinnati plans to introduce some young arms this season and need older guys to help mold them into professionals. Arroyo has been around for a long time.

There is a lot of knowledge that he could give to the young stable of pitchers the Reds have at their disposal. With 6 seasons of at least 14 wins and a career ERA of 4.19, Bronson Arroyo can have some great lessons to pass on to the younger Reds.

The Bad

There is going to be some displeasure concerning the signing of Arroyo. Bronson turns 40 this season and hasn’t pitched in the Major Leagues since 2014. He signed a deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2014. Arroyo never finished the season and opted to have Tommy John Surgery. Bronson flirted with a comeback to the Reds last season. The Reds didn’t make a strong enough offer, so he signed with the Washington Nationals. Nationals’ manager, Dusty Baker obviously had a history with the big right hander. Baker and the Nationals signed Arroyo to a minor league contract in 2016.

Next: The Reds finally lean into shifting defensively

Arroyo has tallied 2364.2 innings over his 15 year career. Add to that an MLB All-Star bid in 2006, which was his first year with Cincinnati. His arm is tired and the Reds cannot count on him to get wins in 2017. We may see a resurgence of the high leg kick, but it’s very unlikely he will find success on the mound.