January 10, 2023

Easy Sign

The Marlins signed pitcher Johnny Cueto to a one year deal for $8.5 million:

Cueto, 36, spent last season with the Chicago White Sox, going 8-10 with a 3.35 ERA in 158 1/3 innings (24 starts).

ESPN.com

Cueto transitioned to an effective ball in play pitcher in 2022. His strikeout rate dropped to 5.80 per 9 innings compared to 7.44 per 9 IP for his career, and his walk rate dropped to 1.88 per 9 IP compared to 2.54 for his career. That allowed him to be efficient on the mound and go deep in games. He also lowered his home run rate, and home runs usually are not a problem in Miami.

This is a pretty safe bet, and the Marlins are paying him for one WAR and he easily could post two. He also brings a lot of knowledge to a young but good starting staff. This rotation could easily post 15 WAR, which is about a third of what a team needs to make the playoffs.

I am somewhat surprised that another didn’t grab Cueto sooner. I suspect a lot of front offices are hung up on the K rate and the age. A third starter who can go deep in games seems like a good value for any team, however.

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