It's becoming more evident that the Cincinnati Reds (18-25) will trade starting pitcher Johnny Cueto before the deadline, but who can provide the best return for the right-hander?
ESPN Insider Jim Bowden believes it's the Boston Red Sox.
Boston's rotation is among the worst in the MLB thanks to their 28th-ranked ERA (4.96), which has improved since Carl Willis replaced Juan Nieves as the team's pitching coach earlier this month. However, the Red Sox have faced a number of clubs (Oakland Athletics, Seattle Mariners and Los Angeles Angels) who have struggled as whole offensively this season (or as of late) since that move was made.
The improvement could be genuine or just a mere coincidence, but either way there's no denying the Red Sox need an ace atop their rotation. It has been a topic of debate since Jon Lester was traded to Oakland last season and rumors have linked them to a number of starting pitchers. Boston will likely have Justin Masterson and Clay Buchholz hit free agency after this season, so they'll be in need of starters anyway.
Is Johnny Cueto a potential trade target even though he's seeking a $200 million contract in the offseason?
"Cueto, a free agent after this season, has pitched more innings than anyone in the National League since the start of the 2014 season and is 23-13 over that span with a 2.42 ERA and 0.96 WHIP," Bowden writes. "He is a true staff ace and has proven he can pitch well in any all ballpark and endure any type of situation. The Reds are looking for young starters in return, and it appears the Red Sox can offer them the best package among the contending teams."
Bowden also notes there is a "solid chance" Cueto is dealt before the deadline and other clubs such as the Houston Astros, Toronto Blue Jays, St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees might be interested in acquiring him.
It's clear Cueto wants to play for a winner, especially after he called out the Reds' offense last week, saying he's "waiting for the rest of the team to do their job," following a 3-0 loss to the Kansas City Royals. However, the right-hander was scratched from his start yesterday because of elbow soreness, according to John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer, which could be an issue if it persists over the next couple of months.
Nonetheless, if he stays healthy then the Red Sox could be in the running for his services. They need an ace if they hope to take advantage of a wide-open AL East. Manager John Farrell's club is 21-23, but sits behind the first-place Tampa Bay Rays by only 2.5 games.
Cueto would undoubtedly be a difference-maker for the Red Sox if their starting rotation doesn't make big strides before the trade deadline.
UPDATE: Cueto's MRI on his right elbow came back clean on Tuesday, according to C. Trent Rosecrans of the Cincinnati Enquirer.
