Report: Cueto plans to opt out of contract
The free-agent starting pitching market may get a major boost this winter.
Johnny Cueto is reportedly planning to opt out of his contract with the San Francisco Giants in search of a more lucrative deal, according to Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports.
The right-hander agreed to a six-year, $130-million deal with the Giants in December of 2015, but is able to opt out at the end of this season. Cueto would be forfeiting more than $87 million in guaranteed money should he opt out, though the hope is that he would earn more in free agency.
Heyman adds that Cueto has interest in re-signing with the Giants, but doesn't believe San Francisco would be interested in bringing the two-time All-Star back for more money.
Cueto was excellent in his first season with the Giants but has battled issues with consistency this year. He's 5-7 with a 4.42 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, and 90 strikeouts over 93 2/3 innings.
With Cueto expected to opt out, the Giants will likely try to move him prior to next month's non-waiver trade deadline.
Yu Darvish, C.C. Sabathia, Jeremy Hellickson, John Lackey, Jake Arrieta, Marco Estrada, Jaime Garcia, and Lance Lynn are among the top starters that will be available this winter.