The Washington Nationals have signed 16-year veteran right-hander Bronson Arroyo to a minor-league deal with an invitation to spring training, according to FOX Sports.
Arroyo, who turns 39 four weeks from Wednesday, was 7-4 with a 4.08 ERA and a 1.291 WHIP ratio in 14 starts during the 2014 season with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Confirmed Arroyo to #nationals. A $2mil base in incentive laden deal if he makes team. Can earn up to $8 million if he makes 32 starts
— Mark Sheldon (@m_sheldon) January 27, 2016
The 2006 National League All-Star missed all of last season due to undergoing Tommy John reconstructive elbow surgery in July of 2014. Despite being sidelined, he was dealt twice last season. On June 20, the Atlanta Braves acquired Arroyo and right-hander Touki Toussaint from the Diamondbacks in exchange for infielder Phil Gosselin. Nearly one month later, Arroyo was sent to the Los Angeles Dodgers in a 13-player transaction.
Arroyo took the mound for neither club in 2015, despite targeting a comeback in late August or early September.
On Nov. 6, the Dodgers declined Arroyo's $11 million option for 2016 and bought him out for $4.5 million.
Last month, Arroyo told ESPN's Jayson Stark that his elbow is "perfectly fine." Seven clubs were linked to having interest in Arroyo at the time, two of which were the Nationals and the Philadelphia Phillies.
Arroyo joining the Nationals reunites him with his former manager of six seasons with the Cincinnati Reds, Dusty Baker. The Reds and Marlins also showed late, recent interest in signing Arroyo before the Nationals ultimately came out on top on Tuesday.
If Arroyo is named a starter out of spring training, he would likely join a Nationals' rotation consisting of Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg, Gio Gonzalez and Tanner Roark.
Matt Rappa (@mattrappasports) is managing editor of Philliedephia.com.
