The Twins "remain strongly interested" in free-agent right-hander Bronson Arroyo, a source tells Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press (Twitter link). Arroyo would become the fourth free-agent starter to be signed by the Twins this offseason if a deal is consummated.

While the Twins were widely expected to pursue rotation upgrades this winter, few projected this large of an outlay. The Twins have already committed $84MM to Ricky Nolasco, Phil Hughes and Mike Pelfrey, and Arroyo, who some believe could receive a contract in the three-year, $36MM range, would likey push that to well above $100MM. It's a major strategy change for Minnesota, which hasn't been a major player in the free agent market in previous offseasons. The rumored interest in Arroyo suggests that GM Terry Ryan and his staff believe prospect Kyle Gibson could use more minor league seasoning after struggling mightily in 2013, his first crack at the majors. Kevin Correia, who's signed through 2014, has a claim on one of the team's two remaining rotation spots.

MLBTR's Tim Dierkes predicted a two-year, $24MM deal for Arroyo in September. The 36-year-old had a 3.79 in 2013 and has thrown at least 199 innings every year since 2005.