MLB Hot Stove League: Dbacks have interest in Brandon McCarthy

The Arizona Diamondbacks have expressed interest in free agent starting pitcher Brandon McCarthy, according to a report from the Arizona Republic.

McCarthy, who pitched the last two seasons with the Oakland Athletics, is yet to resume throwing following emergency brain surgery after being hit by a line drive in September. He has been cleared for baseball activities and is expected to resume throwing sometime in December. The head injury and a history of shoulder injuries are expected to make McCarthy one of the best values on the free agent market.

He started 18 games for the Athletics last season, posting a 3.24 ERA and 3.04 K/BB ratio. He is expected to have plenty of suitors on the open market. Oakland has expressed interest in re-signing him and the Chicago Cubs and Minnesota Twins are also reportedly interested.

This isn't the first time the Diamondbacks have pursued McCarthy. Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic notes Arizona also pursued McCarthy when he was a free agent prior to the 2011 season.