Johnny Cueto rumors: Reds will exercise option to bring Cueto back
By Hayden Kane
Johnny Cueto will be back with the Cincinnati Reds for the 2015 season, at the very least.
Starting this off-season and throughout the course of the 2015 MLB season, you will hear trade rumors that involve Cincinnati Reds’ starting pitcher Johnny Cueto. That has to do with the big payday that will eventually come his way as well as the tough payroll spot in which the Reds find themselves.
More from Cincinnati Reds
- MLB Rumors: Yankees-Phillies trade showdown, Mariners swoop, India goes to Seattle
- MLB Rumors: Braves trade package, White Sox-Reds deal, Mets disaster
- Brewers attempt to troll Elly De La Cruz backfires 456 feet
- MLB Rumors: Willson Contreras trade suitor, Reds surprise move, Giolito war
- MLB standings ordered by hard hit rate: Struggling Cardinals still cracking bats
Considering the season that Cueto just had, the Reds at least have the chance to buy themselves a little time. For that matter, they have the chance to buy themselves time at a pretty nice bargain. The team has a $10 million option for Cueto in 2015 that they will surely exercise, according to Mark Sheldon of MLB.com:
"Cueto has a $10 million club option for 2015 that’s a lock to be exercised after he completed the four-year, $27 million contract that was signed to avoid arbitration on January 26, 2011. Like most bargains, the price won’t remain low permanently, as the 28-year-old Cueto can become a first-time free agent about one year from now."
Sheldon also notes that Cueto has expressed interest in remaining with the Reds for the long haul. Mutual interest might not be enough, however, as the Reds find themselves in a tough spot in terms of their payroll.
Even after the Reds inevitably exercise their option to bring Cueto back next season, the trade rumors will start almost immediately given the salary Cueto will command and the value the Reds could get in a trade for him.
Cueto went 20-9 this past season with an incredible 2.25 ERA in 34 starts.
More from FanSided
- MLB Trade Grades: Dodgers land Amed Rosario from Guardians
- Colorado gives Pac-12 a possible death knell with move to Big 12
- NFL rumors: Dalvin Cook suitor maintaining very ‘real’ interest
- Braves get dose of bad news on Max Fried as ace nears return
- LA Galaxy vs. Club Leon Leagues Cup match rescheduled for July 26