Johnny Cueto's Opening Day deadline to negotiate a contract extension with the Cincinnati Reds is rapidly approaching, but the two sides are still far apart on a long-term deal, reported FOX Sports' Jon Morosi.
The right-hander's agent previously expressed his client's desire to get an extension done before the first pitch is thrown, but it's not looking good with the season opener less than a week away. Trade rumors are sure to heat up surrounding the 2014 All-Star if a deal isn't struck.
Cueto, 28, will become a free agent at the end of the 2015 campaign, and his value couldn't be higher coming off a 20-win season. General manager Walt Jocketty initiated extension talks with Cueto's camp at the winter meetings, but striking a long-term deal with one of the top arms in the game won't be easy for the budget-slashing Reds.
Cueto is the only pitcher besides Los Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw to boast an ERA below 3.00 in each of the past four seasons.