MLB: Intriguing Possible 2016 Free Agent Pitchers
By Tim Boyle
1. Johnny Cueto – Cincinnati Reds
Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports
Depending on where the Cincinnati Reds are when the 2015 trade deadline arrives will determine how quickly ace Johnny Cueto leaves town. Trading for outfielder Marlon Byrd and sending pitcher Mat Latos to the Miami Marlins makes it a little unclear as to where the Reds see themselves in the standings for the 2015 season. Injuries ruined them last year, which may have helped leave a bit of a bad taste in Cueto’s mouth about staying around.
Cueto was one of the few exceptions for the 2014 Reds. He had a career year, winning 20 games with a 2.25 ERA and a league leading 242 strikeouts. He also finished second in NL Cy Young voting behind only Clayton Kershaw.
Cueto is an incredibly valuable trade piece for the Reds. If they have any sense of building for the future and no chance at retaining him, Cueto will be wearing another big league uniform before the trade deadline.