Johnny Cueto was expected to be one of the top trade candidates before the deadline, assuming the Cincinnati Reds weren't going to be in the playoff discussion. However, recent rumors suggest his elbow issue has worried those who are interested in acquiring him.
Cueto missed his start last Sunday because of tightness in his throwing elbow. Thankfully, the MRI came back clean the following Tuesday, but that doesn't mean concerns don't exist. We already talked about how his trade value is expected to go down with news of the elbow inflammation.
The right-hander returned to action yesterday against the Philadelphia Phillies and gave up two runs (one earned) on five hits over six innings, but the Reds lost again. Cueto is 3-4 with a 2.90 ERA, 0.953 WHIP and 64 strikeouts in 10 starts (71 1/3 innings) this season. The Reds (22-28) are 11.5 games behind the St. Louis Cardinals for first place in the NL Central. As the days go by it's getting more and more clear he'll be traded before July 31.
Or will he?
"Because he's had elbow stiffness (but no structural damage) teams are holding back a little in trade talks," writes Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe. "Cueto is expected to be dealt and his $10 million salary is considered reasonable. If he shows he's healthy over a few starts, many teams will reengage with Cincinnati."
Cafardo is not alone on such inside information.
"Cueto threw well Tuesday, but some executives believe that as the current market plays out, Hamels could become even more attractive because of the concern about Cueto's elbow and the struggles of other would-be trade options, such as White Sox starter Jeff Samardzija," adds ESPN Insider Buster Olney.
The Reds' ace will hit free agency after the season. Cincinnati failed to reach an agreement with Cueto before his self-imposed deadline on Opening Day and general manager Walt Jocketty has repeatedly said it's going to be difficult for the team to retain him because of the rising market price for the MLB's top starters.
However, the Reds have yet to indicate they're trading Cueto, according to Bryce Dixon, the pitcher's agent. Dixon appeared on MLB Network radio and discussed the trade rumors surrounding his client earlier this week.
Whatever the case, if the losing continues for the Reds it's unlikely Jocketty will allow Cueto to walk in free agency and only get a compensation pick for him. But now it's possible they face obstacles in trading him if they were to consider that option, meaning they may not get maximum value in return.
It all depends on how Cueto's health holds up over the next two months and if teams are confident his recent elbow issue is nothing to worry about.
