The latest on Johnny Cueto

The New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, Houston Astros, Kansas City Royals, and Los Angeles Dodgers have all called on Cincinnati Reds right-hander Johnny Cueto, reports Jim Bowden of ESPN on MLB Network Radio.

Joel Sherman of the New York Post reported that the Baltimore Orioles, Blue Jays, and Yankees all had scouts to watch Cueto's start yesterday in Washington. 

"The price will be high" for Cueto, according to Bowden. Cueto is likely the best or second-best pitcher on the trade market, as he has been absolutely brilliant this season. However, with the Reds not contending and Cueto being a free agent at the end of the year, a move seems inevitable. 

However, a move for Cueto probably will not happen until after the Reds host the All-Star Game. The team reportedly does not want to move any of their trade chips until after the break has passed, meaning Cueto's suitors will have to wait. 

The 29-year-old Cueto is in the last season of a five-year, $36.2 million extension and will hit the open market at the end of the year, making him a three-month rental to any team that acquires him. He has gone 6-5 with a 2.61 ERA (3.07 FIP) and a 111 to 21 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 113 2/3 innings this year (16 starts).

--Devan Fink

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