RADIO
Free agent starting pitcher Johnny Cueto is looking for a contract in the $140-160 million range, according to ESPN.com.
The Arizona Diamondbacks were believed to be at the top of the sweepstakes. They offered Cueto a six-year, $120 million offer that was turned down, according to MLB.com. The right-hander has been one of the better starting pitchers in the game over the last five seasons. Unfortunately for him, he was not that good after he was traded from the Cincinnati Reds to the Kansas City Royals around the trade deadline. Cueto had a 2.62 ERA with Cincy but fished the regular season with a 4.76 ERA, 1.45 WHIP over 81 1/3 innings with the Royals. His postseason resume might not affect his new contract. He made two good and bad starts. Fortunately for him, one of those good starts came in the World Series when he pitched a complete game, one-run victory over the New York Mets.
Clubs in the Johnny Cueto market believe he's looking for a $140-160M payout. That's Cole Hamels-Jon Lester territory.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) November 30, 2015
MLB general managers might look at the previous four seasons when they contemplate giving Cueto a contract within the $140-160 million range. The former All-Star racked up a 19 and 20-win season through 2011-2014. The 29-year-old had a 2.31, 2.78, 2.82 and 2.25 ERA in those four seasons, which was among the tops in the entire league. Besides the Diamondbacks, the Giants, Dodgers, Red Sox, Cardinals and Cubs are willing to spend a significant amount of money on a starting pitcher, according to ESPN.com.
The San Francisco Giants have won three World Series over the last five seasons. Madison Bumgarner is one of the best pitchers in MLB. He needs somebody to join him at the top of the rotation and if the team can’t sign Zack Greinke to a major deal, they might settle for Cueto as a backup plan. The Los Angeles Dodgers could very well lose Greinke to free agency. They would need an immediate replacement and Cueto be wearing a Dodgers uniform next season. Meanwhile, the St. Louis Cardinals won 100 games yet they feel that they need more help to get to the World Series. A healthy Adam Wainwright will dramatically improve their rotation. If they sign Cueto, they might have one of the top pitching staffs in the NL. The Chicago Cubs were swept in the NLCS this season one of the reasons it happened was because of their starting rotation. Cueto would add depth alongside Cy Young winner Jake Arrieta and Jon Lester. The Boston Red Sox are always willing to spend on free agents and want to improve on being the second-worst pitching staff in the AL last season. If any of these teams are willing to make the offer he wants, they’d likely be the team that signs him.
