Report: Reds plan to exercise 2015 club option on Johnny Cueto
The Cincinnati Reds are preparing for what could be a busy offseason, and they've already decided on their first order of business.
The Reds plan to exercise their 2015 club option on 20-game winner Johnny Cueto, reports MLB.com's Mark Sheldon.
The option is for $10 million, a relative bargain for the righty's services if he continues to rack up wins in Cincinnati. Cueto is also open to the idea of staying with the club well past 2015.
"I like it here. I like the fans," Cueto said through an interpreter on Sept. 28. "I like the stadium, even though the stadium is small, I like this stadium. I pitch good here. I want to stay here, yes."
Signing Cueto long-term does, however, put general manager Walt Jocketty in a tough situation. Starters Mat Latos, Alfredo Simon, and Mike Leake are also up for contract renewals after next season, and it's unlikely the club can afford to keep all four pitchers.
The Reds' rotation amassed 103 quality starts this season - the third-highest in the major leagues - but Cincinnati hitters produced only 3.67 runs per game, the 28th-ranked offense in the bigs.
Cueto's 20 wins and 2.25 ERA in 34 starts were both career highs.