Even in a market loaded with talented starting pitchers, Kansas City Royals starter Johnny Cueto is sure to generate plenty of suitors as teams look to bolster their rotations this winter.
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Diamondbacks Showing Interest in Cueto
Sunday, Nov. 29
According to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, the Arizona Diamondbacks met with Cueto's agent, Bryce Dixon. However, with Cueto likely seeking over $20 million a year in a new deal and the Diamondbacks more comfortable offering in the $15 million-$18 million range, a deal is unlikely to be brokered, per Rosenthal.
Cueto, 29, had an interesting 2015 season. He went 7-6 with a 2.62 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and 120 strikeouts in 130.2 innings pitched with the Cincinnati Reds before being traded to the Royals, where he struggled somewhat, going 4-7 with a 4.76 ERA, 1.45 WHIP and 56 strikeouts in 13 starts.
He had an up-and-down postseason as well, going 2-1 with a 5.40 ERA and 1.08 WHIP in four starts, though he did pitch brilliantly in Game 2 of the World Series against the New York Mets, giving up just two hits and a run in a complete-game 7-1 win.
Cueto was one of the National League's most consistent aces in recent years, so his struggles in Kansas City came as something of a surprise. But his dominance in the World Series was a reminder of his prowess, and plenty of teams would love to add a starter with his track record to the rotation.
With David Price and Zack Greinke likely to set the free-agent market for starting pitchers, Cueto is in line for a major payday.
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