In a move aimed at bolstering their pitching depth, the Texas Rangers have inked a deal with seasoned starter Johnny Cueto. According to reports from Jon Heyman of the New York Post and tweets by Robert Murray of FanSided, Cueto has agreed to a minor league contract with the Rangers, represented by Primo Sports Group.
Cueto’s signing comes after a prolonged stint in free agency throughout the winter, a stark contrast to the previous offseason when he secured an $8.5 million deal with the Marlins. Back then, the right-hander was coming off a solid showing with a 3.35 ERA over 25 appearances for the White Sox. However, his time in Miami was marred by injuries and ineffectiveness, culminating in a career-worst 6.02 ERA over 52 1/3 innings.
The 38-year-old faced setbacks early in the 2024 season, sustaining a biceps injury in his first start and subsequently spending significant time on the injured list. Despite challenges, Cueto’s determination to continue his career persisted, and he now joins the Rangers as they navigate a series of pitching injuries.
With Max Scherzer, Jacob deGrom, and Tyler Mahle on the injured list and Cody Bradford recently sidelined with a lower back strain, the Rangers sought additional depth for their rotation. Cueto’s experience, including four years under current Texas skipper Bruce Bochy with the Giants, and his prior connection with Rangers GM Chris Young from their time together in Kansas City, make him a valuable addition.
While Cueto’s velocity may have declined over the years, his above-average control and versatility as a starter or long reliever provide the Rangers with a reliable option as they navigate the rigors of the season.