MLB: San Francisco Giants Agree to $130M Contract With Johnny Cueto
The long wait is over: The San Francisco Giants have officially agreed to a six-year, $130 million contract with Dominican pitcher Johnny Cueto.
Cueto was part of a huge mid season trade this past season in which the Cincinnati Reds dealt him to the Kansas City Royals. There, Cueto had a profound impact as he helped guide the Royals to their second consecutive American League Pennant and their first World Series championship since 1985.
Cueto has the second lowest ERA since entering the majors behind only Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Speaking of the Dodgers, they lost ace pitcher Zack Greinke to the Arizona Diamondbacks in free agency this offseason. With the Giants adding Jeff Samardzija and Cueto, power could be shifting in the National League West.
Cueto's most memorable moment came in Game 2 of the World Series this previous season. He pitched a complete game allowing just one run as the Royals won that match, 7-1.
Still just 29 years old, Cueto should fit in very nicely with the Giants by the Bay. Per contract agreement, Cueto can opt out of it after the 2017 season. A Madison Bumgarner-Cueto combination could be the best one two punch in the league next year. The Giants did rank a respectable ninth overall in team pitching last year, but you can bet that will improve with the addition of Cueto.
Cueto's 96 career victories rank as the 13th most in MB history by a Dominican-born pitcher. By the time Cueto retires, he could surpass Juan Marichal.
Follow Damon Salvadore on Twitter @DamonSalvadore1
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