After almost 8 full seasons with the Cincinnati Reds Johnny Cueto, one of the game’s best pitchers has been dealt to the Kansas City Royals. The man we call “Johnny Beisbol” is no longer a Red and it’s a sad day in Cincy, but a necessity day. Once the Reds gave fellow pitcher Homer Bailey over $100 million, we all knew they wouldn’t be able to afford Cueto so it was the lesser of two evils to trade him because you can’t lose somebody that good for nothing. Plus with the Reds in slight rebuild mode they need some quality assets.
During the last 6 years Cueto has been one of the best pitchers in the game, consistently among one of the best ERAs in baseball in one of the smallest parks in baseball. It was cool seeing the growth on the field, but the Reds can’t afford him anymore because of some of the big spending over the last 5 years. (see Phillips, Votto and Bailey)
Cueto is currently 7-6 with a 2.62 ERA, this move will help the Royals make a real postseason push.
Trade Details:
Royals receive:
Johnny Cueto and cash
Reds receive:
Brandon Finnegan, John Lamb and Cody Reed
All three players are left handed pitchers with starter potential in the near future. Finnegan is the closest to be being big league ready as he will be in AAA, Lamb will be in AA.
Who will be next? Mike Leake? Aroldis Chapman? Only time will tell. Cincinnati will miss Johnny Beisbol!
