Johnny Cueto Has New Suitor In NL East

15-year veteran Johnny Cueto reestablished his value this past season, putting up a nice 3.35 ERA with a 1.22 WHIP for the Chicago White Sox. The former NL strikeout leader now apparently has some interest from a few teams in free agency. The latest to enter into discussions are the Miami Marlins.

The #Marlins are among the teams staying in touch with Johnny Cueto's camp, sources say. There could be an opening in Miami's rotation if they trade Pablo López. @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 20, 2022

It's a long-standing rumor by now that Marlins' starting pitcher Pablo Lopez is on the trade block. So as the Fish try to work out a deal for the 26-year-old to help in other areas, they're considering a pitcher ten years his senior to replace him.

Cueto is a two-time All-Star and a three-time Top 6 finisher in Cy Young balloting. He has a career 3.44 ERA and 1.21 WHIP. He had 242 strikeouts in 2014 to lead the National League.

The Marlins have an exceptional young starting staff, led by 2022 Cy Young winner Sandy Alcantara. The rest of the arms are in the 24-25 age bracket, so adding a wily veteran like Cueto could be a nice fit.

Maybe he'd even teach them his funky delivery.

Johnny Cueto’s delivery is something else. Does such a masterful job of creating imbalance in timing #SFGiants pic.twitter.com/QV2o4hRzNn
— Dugout Views (@DugoutViewsBSB) July 24, 2020