Coming out of nowhere after inking Jeff Samardzija to a large contract earlier this month, the San Francisco Giants have signed former Cincinnati Reds ace Johnny Cueto to a six-year contract worth a reported $130 million with a potential opt-out after two seasons.
Cueto, 29, saw his market value take a dramatic dip after struggling following a mid-season trade from the Reds to the eventual World Series champion Kansas City Royals. He had posted a 2.62 ERA with a 0.93 WHIP in 19 starts with Cincinnati prior to the deal. After the trade, Cueto went 4-7 with a 4.76 ERA and 1.45 WHIP in 13 starts with K.C.
Now back in the friendly confines of the National League and pitching at what has to be considered a pitcher-friendly ballpark in San Francisco, Cueto should easily revert back to earlier form.
Remember, this is a guy that finished second in the NL Cy Young voting back in 2014, posting a 20-9 record with a 2.25 ERA and a ridiculous 0.96 WHIP. He also led all NL pitchers in starts (34), innings pitched (243.2) and strikeouts (242).
It was the fourth consecutive season that Cueto had posted a WHIP of under 1.20 while putting up a sub 3.00 ERA.
With Samardzija and Cueto in the mix, joining the likes of Madison Bumgarner and a potentially healthy Matt Cain, the Giants now have one of the most talent-laden rotations in the entire National League.
In terms of the deal itself, Cueto can opt out after two seasons, at which point he will be just 31 years old. Though, that would mean him forfitting $84 million over the final four years of the deal.