Johnny Cueto, last year’s longest tenured starter on the Giants, has reportedly agreed to a minor league deal with the Chicago White Sox.
Cueto will earn $4.2 million, prorated for days spent in the big leagues according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Fansided’s Robert Murray was the first to report the signing, and Cueto was quick to confirm it.
Cueto, 36, spent the previous six seasons in San Francisco. The Giants signed him to a six-year, $130 million contract before the 2016 season. He was then an ace of SF’s staff, posting a 2.79 ERA in his first season with the Giants.
Cueto then led a staff for four losing seasons. Through it all, he remained a fan favorite for his funky delivery and easygoing demeanor. Before games, he’d often take ground balls at second base, forming a goofy double-play tandem with Brandon Crawford.
Last year, for the franchise record 107-win club, Cueto was effective but injuries limited him to 21 starts. He finished with a 4.08 ERA — respectable for a fifth starter — and mentored young arms like Camilo Doval.
His season ended acrimoniously, though, as SF left him off the playoff roster for the National League Division Series. He said learning of the snub was “uncomfortable” at the time, but insisted he still had more baseball left in him.
The White Sox think so, too.
For the past couple weeks, Cueto was considered the best starting pitcher available in free agency. He’s been training during the offseason in his native Dominican Republic.
The White Sox targeted Cueto after starter Lance Lynn and key reliever Garrett Crochet went down with injuries. The veteran will join a staff with Lynn, Lucas Giolito, Dylan Cease and Michael Kopech.
