Toronto Blue Jays eyeing Johnny Cueto to upgrade rotation

The Toronto Blue Jays already made a major addition to their rotation.

Chris Bassitt was signed to a three year deal on Monday, adding another solid arm to a rotation that could be one of the best in the American League. He joined a group that already includes Kevin Gausman, Alek Manoah, and Jose Berrios, providing a formidable foursome.

Toronto Blue Jays reportedly looking at Johnny Cueto

That formidable foursome could be a fearsome five. According to Ben Nicholson-Smith from Sportsnet.ca, the Blue Jays are considering bringing Johnny Cueto on board to further strengthen the rotation.

Cueto had a resurgent performance in 2022 for the White Sox. Finally healthy once again, he posted a 3.55 ERA and a 1.225 WHiP in his 158.1 innings, striking out 102 batters with 33 walks. Those 158.1 innings were the most he has pitched since 2016, the last year that he was truly effective and able to stake a claim as one of the top pitchers in the game.

While those days may be long in the past, Cueto could still be a solid part of a rotation. He would be a perfect piece as a fifth starter, solidifying the back of the rotation and giving the Blue Jays another veteran arm with playoff experience as they look to bring a title back to Canada.

He would also provide the Blue Jays with the rotation depth they need. The fifth starter spot is likely between Hyun-Jin Ryu and Yusei Kikuchi otherwise, with neither pitcher being a given. Prospect Ricky Tiedemann advanced three levels last year and ended the season at Double-A, but he is also 20 years old and still needs to prove himself at the upper levels of the minors. Signing Cueto to a one year deal as a stopgap would make a great deal of sense.

The Toronto Blue Jays are reportedly interested in adding Johnny Cueto to the rotation. He could be the perfect fit as a fifth starter.