It is not clear what kind of offer the Diamondbacks made Cueto – FOX Sports has reported the club is hoping to stay in range of $15 million-$18 million per year – but Stewart still remains hopeful of eventually landing the right-hander.
Advertisement
Coming off of a World Series championship, free agent righty Johnny Cueto has services that are at a high demand in this offseason.
Still, the Diamondbacks remain interested in Cueto, who helped the Kansas City Royals win the World Series last month by tossing a two-hitter in a Game 2 victory over the New York Mets. The Detroit Tigers made the first big splash earlier Sunday, agreeing with right-hander Jordan Zimmermann on a five-year deal worth $110 million, a source confirmed to ESPN. Stewart told the Arizona Republic he could understand why Cueto is being patient.
With David Price and Zack Greinke likely to set the free-agent market for starting pitchers, Cueto is in line for a major payday.
Arizona has looked to stay below the $20 million mark in addressing their pitching search, and the offer to Cueto shows willingness to adjust to what the market is demanding.
Stewart also told the paper that the Diamondbacks still would like to sign Cueto but acknowledged that team ownership would have to approve a more lucrative offer. Overall in 2015, Cueto produced a 11-13 record, with a 3.44 ERA, while striking out 176.
Advertisement
Facing a situation with little top of the rotation strength, the Diamondbacks may very well be propelled to overpay for the right-hander, which may be in their best interest, certainly aided by a full season return of southpaw Patrick Corbin.
