Despite a disappointing 2023 season, former World Series winner and Dominican legend Johnny Cueto is intent on making a triumphant MLB return in 2024.
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According to an X post from MLB Network insider Jon Morosi, "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."
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
Cueto showed some regression during his tenure with the Miami Marlins in 2023 — as shown by his 1-4 record and 6.02 ERA in 52.1 innings, which also included a stint on the 60-day injured list due to a right bicep injury. But last season isn't a good representation of what the 37-year-old right-hander has done across his career.
Throughout his 16 years in the big leagues — which include time with the Cincinnati Reds, San Francisco Giants, Kansas City Royals, Chicago White Sox and the aforementioned Marlins — Cueto is 144-111 with a 3.50 ERA. He has also made two All-Star teams (in 2014 and 2016), and he was an integral piece of the Royals winning the 2015 World Series after being traded to the team at that season's trade deadline.
While those accolades occurred nearly a decade ago, Cueto made 24 starts for the Chicago White Sox and produced a 3.35 ERA as recently as 2022.
So while it's likely that Cueto's best days on the bump are behind him, there's a good chance he still has quality innings to offer — especially if he's willing to do so at a discount.
In addition to his on-field accomplishments, Cueto was always known to be a great clubhouse guy, bringing a carefree energy to MLB's locker rooms. What's more, the 37-year-old knows what it takes to win — and that leadership would be just what some of the MLB's younger, more-inexperienced teams need.
Cueto needs only six more MLB wins to surpass Ervin Santana for fourth-most all-time in MLB history among Dominican pitchers. If some MLB team decides to sign him before 2024's opening day, we imagine that a healthy Cueto would manage to reach that mark with ease.
