Johnny Cueto is a pitcher who has made a name for himself in Major League Baseball (MLB) with his impressive performances on the mound. Cueto’s journey in MLB took him to various teams, but it was his stint with the Kansas City Royals that made him a World Series champion.
Following the 2015 World Series, Cueto became a free agent for the first time in his career, and the San Francisco Giants made a bold move to acquire his services. The Giants signed Cueto to a lucrative six-year contract, which was seen as a significant investment in the team’s pitching staff.
This blog will explore the details of how the Giants were able to secure Johnny Cueto’s services, as well as his performance with the team during his time in San Francisco. The blog will also assess the Giants’ decision to sign Cueto and its impact on the team’s fortunes.
Cueto’s Performance With the Royals
Key Highlights of Cueto’s Tenure With the Royals
Johnny Cueto joined the Kansas City Royals in a trade with the Cincinnati Reds in July 2015. He made an immediate impact on the Royals’ pitching staff, showcasing his impressive pitching repertoire and leadership qualities.
Cueto pitched in 13 games for the Royals during the regular season, posting a 4-7 record with a 4.76 ERA. However, it was his performances in the playoffs that truly stood out.
In the American League Division Series against the Houston Astros, Cueto pitched a complete game, allowing just two hits and one run while striking out eight batters in Game 5, helping the Royals advance to the next round.
He followed up with another impressive start in the American League Championship Series against the Toronto Blue Jays, pitching eight innings and allowing just two runs in Game 3, which the Royals won 6-3.
His Performance During the 2015 World Series
Cueto’s performance in Game 2 of the 2015 World Series against the New York Mets is one of the most memorable moments of his career. Cueto pitched a complete game, allowing just two hits and one run while striking out four batters, leading the Royals to a 7-1 victory.
He showcased his full range of pitching skills, including his fastball, slider, and changeup, which kept the Mets’ batters off balance throughout the game.
Cueto’s Game 2 performance helped the Royals take a 2-0 lead in the series, which they eventually won in five games, earning Cueto his first World Series championship.
Cueto’s Impact on the Royals’ Success
Johnny Cueto’s impact on the Royals’ success during his brief tenure with the team cannot be overstated. He brought a level of experience and leadership to the pitching staff that helped the team navigate through the playoffs and ultimately win the World Series.
Cueto’s performance in Game 5 of the ALDS and Game 2 of the World Series was instrumental in the Royals’ success, and his contributions were recognized with the Babe Ruth Award for being the most valuable player in the playoffs.
Cueto’s tenure with the Royals was short-lived, but his impact on the team’s success was undeniable. His performance during the playoffs put him in the spotlight and set the stage for his free agency, which ultimately led him to the San Francisco Giants.
Cueto’s Free Agency
Cueto’s Decision to Become a Free Agent
After winning the World Series with the Royals, Johnny Cueto became a free agent for the first time in his career. Cueto had previously expressed his desire to stay with the Royals, but the team was unable to meet his asking price, leading him to test the free-agent market.
Teams Interested in Cueto’s Services
Several teams expressed interest in signing Cueto, including the Arizona Diamondbacks, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Houston Astros. The Dodgers were seen as the early favorites to sign Cueto, but they ultimately decided to pursue other pitching options.
The Diamondbacks and Astros were also in the mix, but it was the San Francisco Giants who emerged as the front runners to sign Cueto.
Giants’ Decision to Pursue Cueto
The San Francisco Giants had a need for starting pitching, and Cueto was one of the most coveted free-agent pitchers available. The Giants had a history of success with veteran pitchers, having won three World Series championships in the previous six seasons.
The team was also familiar with Cueto, having faced him multiple times during his tenure with the Reds.
The Giants made a strong push to sign Cueto, offering him a six-year, $130 million contract with a club option for a seventh year. The deal was seen as a significant investment in the team’s pitching staff, and it signaled the Giants’ commitment to winning another championship.
The team also hoped that Cueto’s experience and leadership would have a positive impact on the team’s young pitching prospects. Ultimately, Cueto decided to sign with the Giants, becoming one of the highest-paid pitchers in MLB history.
The Signing of Cueto
Terms of the Contract
On December 14, 2015, Johnny Cueto signed a six-year, $130 million contract with the San Francisco Giants, which included a club option for a seventh year.
The contract made Cueto one of the highest-paid pitchers in Major League Baseball history. The deal also included a partial no-trade clause, which allowed Cueto to veto trades to certain teams.
Significance of the Contract for Cueto and the Giants
For Johnny Cueto, the contract represented a significant financial milestone in his career. Cueto had established himself as one of the top pitchers in the game, and the contract was a reflection of his value as a player.
The contract also provided Cueto with long-term security, as it ensured that he would be a highly-paid player for the next several years.
For the San Francisco Giants, the signing of Cueto was a significant move that signaled the team’s commitment to winning another championship. The Giants had a history of success with veteran pitchers, and the team hoped that Cueto would provide leadership and stability to the pitching staff.
The contract also helped the Giants address a significant need for starting pitching, as the team had struggled with injuries and inconsistent performance from its pitching staff in recent years.
Reactions to the Signing
The signing of Johnny Cueto was met with mixed reactions from fans and analysts. Some praised the Giants for making a bold move to improve their pitching staff, while others criticized the team for spending a significant amount of money on an aging player.
Some also questioned Cueto’s durability, as he had suffered injuries in the past.
Overall, the reaction to the signing of Cueto was largely positive, as many saw it as a move that could help the Giants compete for another championship.
Cueto’s performance in his first season with the Giants was strong, as he posted a 2.79 ERA in 32 starts, helping the team earn a playoff spot.
While Cueto’s performance has been inconsistent at times since then, he has remained a key part of the Giants’ pitching staff, and the team’s investment in him has paid off in many ways.
Cueto’s Performance With the Giants
Initial Performance With the Giants
Johnny Cueto got off to a strong start with the San Francisco Giants in 2016, posting a 2.79 ERA in 32 starts and earning his second All-Star selection. Cueto’s performance helped the Giants earn a playoff spot, but the team was eliminated in the NLDS by the Chicago Cubs.
Injuries and Struggles During the 2017 and 2018 Seasons
Injuries and struggles plagued Cueto during the 2017 and 2018 seasons. He was limited to just 25 starts in 2017 due to blister and forearm issues, and his performance suffered as a result, with his ERA ballooning to 4.52.
In 2018, Cueto made just nine starts before undergoing Tommy John surgery, which forced him to miss the remainder of the season.
Resurgence in 2019 and 2020
After missing most of the 2018 season, Johnny Cueto made a strong return to the Giants’ rotation in 2019. He posted a 5-5 record with a 3.23 ERA in 16 starts, showcasing the form that had made him one of the top pitchers in the game.
In 2020, Cueto continued to pitch well, posting a 2-3 record with a 5.40 ERA in 12 starts in a shortened season.
Despite his struggles in the previous seasons, Cueto has remained a key part of the Giants’ pitching staff, providing leadership and experience to the team’s younger players.
His resurgence in 2019 and 2020 has been a positive sign for the Giants, as they look to return to the postseason and compete for another championship.
While Cueto’s performance has been inconsistent at times, he has shown that he still has the ability to be an effective pitcher at the Major League level.
Johnny Cueto’s Performance With the San Francisco Giants
| Season | Games Started | Innings Pitched | Wins | Losses | ERA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 32 | 219.2 | 18 | 5 | 2.79 |
| 2017 | 9 | 53.2 | 4 | 4 | 4.52 |
| 2018 | 9 | 53.1 | 3 | 2 | 3.23 |
| 2019 | 16 | 90.0 | 1 | 2 | 5.06 |
| 2020 | 12 | 63.0 | 2 | 3 | 5.40 |
| 2021 | 1 | 3.0 | 0 | 1 | 9.00 |
Note: Cueto’s 2021 season is ongoing at the time of writing, so these numbers may change.
FAQs
How has Cueto’s contract with the Giants affected the team’s payroll?
A: Cueto’s contract is one of the largest on the Giants’ payroll, and it has limited the team’s ability to make other major signings in recent years. However, the team has still been able to field competitive rosters and has remained in the playoff hunt for several seasons.
Has Cueto been involved in any notable off-field incidents during his time with the Giants?
A: There have been no major off-field incidents involving Cueto during his time with the Giants. He is known for being a fun-loving and outgoing personality in the clubhouse and is generally well-liked by teammates and fans.
What are Cueto’s plans for the future?
A: Cueto is still under contract with the Giants through the 2022 season, but it is unclear what his plans are beyond that. He has expressed a desire to continue pitching for as long as he is able, but it remains to be seen whether he will choose to retire or seek another contract with the Giants or another team.
How has Cueto’s performance compared to other top pitchers in the league?
A: While Cueto has been a successful pitcher throughout his career, his performance has not consistently matched up with the top pitchers in the league. He has had several standout seasons, including his Cy Young runner-up campaign in 2014, but he has also had seasons where he has struggled with injuries or performance issues.
How has Cueto’s leadership impacted the Giants’ team culture?
A: Cueto is known for being a vocal and enthusiastic leader in the clubhouse, and his experience and success have made him a respected figure among his teammates. His leadership has helped to establish a positive team culture and has been cited as a factor in the team’s success in recent years.
Conclusion
Johnny Cueto’s signing with the San Francisco Giants in 2015 was a significant move for both Cueto and the Giants.
Cueto had established himself as one of the top pitchers in the game and the contract represented a significant financial milestone in his career, providing him with long-term security.
For the Giants, the signing of Cueto signaled the team’s commitment to winning another championship, addressing a significant need for starting pitching.
Cueto got off to a strong start with the Giants, but injuries and struggles during the 2017 and 2018 seasons limited his performance.
However, Cueto’s resurgence in 2019 and 2020 has been a positive sign for the Giants, as they look to return to the postseason and compete for another championship.
Overall, Cueto’s tenure with the Giants has been marked by both successes and challenges, but he remains a valuable member of the team and an important part of the Giants’ pitching staff.
