With several starting pitchers out on the free agent market, there are plenty of opportunities for teams to fill some holes.
Veteran right-hander Johnny Cueto is one starter that comes to mind.
The 36-year-old was signed by the Chicago White Sox after Lucas Giolito and Lance Lynn went down with injuries.
To the surprise of many, Cueto actually pitched quite well in a White Sox uniform, going 8-10 and posting a 3.35 ERA in 25 appearances, 24 of which were starts.
The righty even threw a complete game.
So naturally, his bounce-back season has likely gotten the attention of several suitors.
According to Jon Morosi of MLB Network, the veteran is drawing interest from his old team, the Cincinnati Reds.
Cueto made his debut with the team in 2008 and pitched there until being dealt to the Kansas City Royals at the 2015 trade deadline.
Source: #Reds have expressed interest in a reunion with Johnny Cueto, a free agent after pitching 158 1/3 innings this year.
Cueto, who turns 37 in February, made his @MLB debut with Cincinnati in 2008. @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 15, 2022
Reds Interested In Cueto
While the Reds are not likely to be very active this offseason, Cueto could be an interesting fit.
The right-hander could serve as a mentor for some of the Reds younger pitchers, including fireballers Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo.
If Cueto can follow up his solid performance in 2022, then the Reds could end up having a decent top three in their starting rotation, that is, if Greene and Lodolo continue to develop and flash their potential.
Cincinnati finished tied for last place in the NL Central with the Pittsburgh Pirates, losing 100 games.
At the very least, Cueto could be a veteran voice in the clubhouse.
If he does sign in Cincinnati, he will reunite with former teammate Joey Votto.
