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MLB Free Agency: 5 potential landing spots for Johnny Cueto

By Dave Stevenson

Oct 14, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Johnny Cueto reacts after retiring the Houston Astros in the 7th inning in game five of the ALDS at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 14, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Johnny Cueto reacts after retiring the Houston Astros in the 7th inning in game five of the ALDS at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 10, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Kyle Hendricks (28) is taken out of the game by manager Joe Maddon (second from left) during the fifth inning in game two of the NLDS against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Kyle Hendricks (28) is taken out of the game by manager Joe Maddon (second from left) during the fifth inning in game two of the NLDS against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /

Chicago Cubs

Johnny Cueto had a ton of success in the NL Central. It’s a division that Cueto is comfortable pitching in. Should he want to return to the division that he saw so much success in, the Chicago Cubs would be a great fit for him. The Cubs are an exciting young team looking to add another starter to join Jake Arrieta and Jon Lester in their already impressive rotation. Cueto would make it even better.

Cueto has had an interesting group of managers during his career. He had his most success with Dusty Baker. He had Ned Yost while he was with the Royals. The Cubs have the best manager in baseball in Joe Maddon. He’s not as old-school as Baker or Yost. He trusts his pitchers, but he wants to win. Maddon has done a fantastic job managing Arrieta and Lester. Cueto would likely have success with Maddon.

The Cubs have a pretty bold front office that wants to win. Signing Cueto would shore up the Cubs rotation questions. The best part? The Cubs wouldn’t even need to give up a first round pick to sign him since Cueto is not eligible to receive a qualifying offer (though neither is David Price).

The Cubs will likely pursue Price and there’s a darn good chance that Price wants to be reunited with his former Tampa Bay Rays manager. Should Price decide to sign elsewhere, Cueto is the next best option for the Cubs.

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