masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgThe Orioles’ chances of landing a frontline starting pitcher took another hit today.

FOXSports.com and ESPN.com are reporting that Bronson Arroyo has reached agreement with the Arizona Diamondbacks, removing one of the Orioles’ primary free agent targets from the market.

Complete terms haven’t been disclosed, but the deal is for two years and includes an option, according to ESPN.com.

Arroyo’s willingness to concede a third guaranteed year worked in the Orioles’ favor, but reports that…The Orioles’ chances of landing a frontline starting pitcher took another hit today.

FOXSports.com and ESPN.com are reporting that Bronson Arroyo has reached agreement with the Arizona Diamondbacks, removing one of the Orioles’ primary free agent targets from the market.

Complete terms haven’t been disclosed, but the deal is for two years and includes an option, according to ESPN.com.

Arroyo’s willingness to concede a third guaranteed year worked in the Orioles’ favor, but reports that he sought $22 million could have been a sticking point.

The Orioles continued negotiations with Arroyo’s representative until the end, according to sources.

Who’s left?

A.J. Burnett’s preference to stay in the National League has severely reduced the likelihood that the Orioles can lure the Monkton resident to Baltimore, though negotiations aren’t dead.

The Orioles are still in on Ubaldo Jimenez, according to industry sources. He would cost the 17th overall pick in the 2014 First-Year Player Draft.

Also, the Orioles are among the teams most aggressively pursuing Korean right-hander Suk-min Yoon. However, he doesn’t fit the profile of a proven innings-eater in the majors, and he brings some concerns about the condition of his right shoulder.

The search continues. The frustration grows.

Update: ESPN’s Buster Olney tweeted the terms of the contract:

“Arroyo’s deal with the Arizona: 9.5m in 2014, 9.5m 2015, 4.5m buyout on an $11m option on 2016”

So that’s $23.5 million guaranteed. Would I have done it? Yes. Would the Orioles? Apparently not.

ESPN.com’s Jerry Crasnick just tweeted the following:

“It was #dbacks vs. #orioles at the end for Bronson Arroyo. He wanted to pitch in NL, which helped give Arizona the edge”