In MLB, there are pitchers who no matter their age and mileage, keep getting chances and, eventually, contracts.
MLB teams have understood that they need to have more than the five pitchers that form a rotation: injuries, suspensions, trades, slumps, and other things affect depth every day, and the best organizations have between eight and 10 capable starters just in case between the injured list, the active roster, and the minors.
That’s why hurlers like Johnny Cueto keep getting opportunities at the highest level: they have rubber arms used to pitch a high number of innings, and their bodies can endure the rigors of the MLB season.
In the specific case of Cueto, he hasn’t landed that contract yet, but he keeps trying.
“Free agent RHP Johnny Cueto is continuing his throwing progression and hopes to sign with a team for what would be his 17th @MLB season. Cueto, who turns 38 this month, ranks 5th all-time in wins among Dominican pitchers,” MLB insider Jon Morosi tweeted.
Free agent RHP Johnny Cueto is continuing his throwing progression and hopes to sign with a team for what would be his 17th @MLB season.
Cueto, who turns 38 this month, ranks 5th all-time in wins among Dominican pitchers.@MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) February 5, 2024
He is having a normal offseason with the hope his agent comes up with an offer.
If his 2023 numbers with the Miami Marlins are any indication, he doesn’t have much left in the tank: he had a 6.02 ERA in 52.1 innings.
However, the year before, he was more than competent with the Chicago White Sox, putting up a 3.35 mark in 158.1 frames.
He is probably still better than a 6.00 ERA pitcher, but worse than what he did in 2022: after all, he will turn 38 soon.
Any contending team would be smart to sign him to a minor league deal, although he is surely hoping for an MLB guaranteed contract.
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