Cincinnati Reds right-hander Bronson Arroyo believes he's headed for an "interesting" offseason that could potentially involve dealings with the New York Mets, reports Mike Puma of the NY Post.
Arroyo said Tuesday said that the Mets "definitely" a team that he "would look at" in free agency this offseason. The right-hander added that he's interested in joining a rotation that has "a nice mix of young arms, but need[s] somebody to anchor a rotation with 200 innings," again citing New York as a team that fits the bill.
The interest is rumored to be mutual. One source told Puma it's "a no-brainer" that the Mets will pursue the 36-year-old right-hander, adding that "he's exactly the Mets' type of guy."
Arroyo owns a 3.60 earned-run average and a strikeout-to-walk ratio of almost four-to-one in 197⅓ innings on the year, putting him on track to reach at least 199 innings pitched for the ninth consecutive season. His 4.18 ERA over 14 years in the bigs is middle-of-the-road, but his improved walk rate the last two seasons is reason for optimism as he heads into his late 30s.
Arroyo is set to earn $6.5 million this year plus a bunch more in deferred payments. His average salary for the last five years has been around $11 million, so there's a chance the Reds will make him a qualifying offer this winter. If they do, Arroyo could potentially fall victim to the Kyle Lohse effect. The Mets are currently in line for a protected top pick, however, so the offer may not matter when/if they pursue him.
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