Chicago White Sox could keep important piece for 2023

Johnny Cueto emerged as one of the more pleasant surprises for the Chicago White Sox in 2022. He could be a part of their 2023 plans as well.

That would be the case if Cueto has his way. According to James Fegan of The Athletic, Cueto not only says that he feels that he has two or three more years left in the tank, but that he would want to return to the White Sox next year.

Johnny Cueto could be answer for Chicago White Sox in 2023

The White Sox would appear to have most of their rotation set for next year. Dylan Cease is likely slotted in as the staff ace. Lance Lynn and Lucas Giolito will be looking for bounceback seasons. The White Sox will hope that Michael Kopech can take another step forward.

However, that would leave an opening in the back of the rotation. The White Sox could also use far more depth considering how Lynn and Giolito struggled as Kopech tailed off at the end of the season. Cueto would be the perfect option.

That is especially the case after a surprisingly strong season this year. Signed to a minor league deal just before Opening Day, Cueto returned to the majors in the middle of May and had one of his better seasons in recent memory. He posted a 3.35 ERA and a 1.225 WHiP in his 158.1 innings, striking out 102 batters with 33 walks.

There are certainly concerns with Cueto’s numbers, as good as they may look. His 5.8 K/9 rate was the lowest of any of his major league seasons. His ground ball and hard hit rates were not particularly impressive. It all comes back to his control as his 1.9 BB/9 rate was the second best of his career. He is going to get plenty of attention in free agency, but the amount of attention will ultimately be determined by whether or not teams think he can sustain his performance with possibly diminished stuff.

Obviously, Cueto is going to want to say that he wants that attention, and ultimate landing point, to be in Chicago. He is still part of the organization until the offseason officially begins. However, it is a reunion that makes sense, and one that should take place as the White Sox hope to find their way back into the playoffs next year.

Johnny Cueto says that he wants to return to the Chicago White Sox next season. It is a reunion that makes perfect sense for both sides.