While the sports world was busy keeping tabs on the College Football National Championship game between the TCU Horned Frogs and the Georgia Bulldogs, the MLB free agent market gained a little traction.
Late on Monday, the Miami Marlins and veteran right-hander Johnny Cueto agreed to a one-year, $8.5 million contract.
The deal also includes a club option for 2024, as well as a buyout.
The 36-year-old enjoyed a bounce-back season with the Chicago White Sox.
The team took a flyer on the veteran righty after Lance Lynn went down with a torn meniscus.
Cueto went 8-10 with a 3.35 ERA in 25 appearances, 24 of which were starts.
Ken Rosenthal provided the financial terms of the deal.
Source confirms: Free-agent right-hander Johnny Cueto in agreement with Marlins, one year with a club option for 2024. Including buyout, deal is for $8.5M guaranteed. First: @JonHeyman
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 10, 2023
The Marlins have been rumored for some time to be shopping some of their starting pitchers, except for NL Cy Young Sandy Alcantara.
With Cueto now in the fold, a trade including Pablo Lopez, Edward Cabrera, Braxton Garrett, or potentially Jesus Luzardo is very possible.
There are a few teams who could use a little starting pitching help, such as the San Francisco Giants, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, and St. Louis Cardinals.
The Marlins could potentially use their surplus of pitchers to acquire some pieces for their lineup.
At the very least, Cueto gives them a veteran presence in a young starting rotation and somebody to go with Alcantara at the top.
The Marlins finished 69-93 in 2022 and fell short of the postseason, coming in fourth place in the National League East.
But if they use their surplus of starters to acquire a bat or two, they could take some steps towards respectability.
NEXT: The Marlins May Be Gearing Up For A Notable Trade