Kansas City Royals Have Acquired Johnny Cueto

The Kansas City Royals were expected to trade for a starting pitcher. Given the ineffectiveness or inconsistency of Yordano Ventura and Danny Duffy through much of the season, and the plethora of injuries that the Royals have dealt with in their rotation, they needed an upgrade. Yesterday, the Royals almost had Johnny Cueto before the deal was turned down due to a medical issue for one of the players being sent to Cincinnati, leading one to expect that the deal may be dead.

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Instead, Dayton Moore has made the biggest trade of his Royals tenure, reportedly acquiring Cueto from the Reds. At this point, the compensation being sent to Cincinnati is unknown, but the rumored trade from yesterday would have sent Sean Manaea, Bubba Starling and Christian Binford to the Reds for their ace.

Right now, the early reports indicate that John Lamb, once a top pitching prospect for the Royals who has completely resurrected his career this season, will be part of the package sent to the Reds. Unable to get a chance this season with the Royals, Lamb could see immediate action in Cincinnati as he could slide right in to the Reds rotation.

In Johnny Cueto, the Kansas City Royals finally have that true ace they have been missing in their rotation. One of the best starters in the league, Cueto has a 7-6 record, mainly due to being with the lowly Reds. His 2.62 ERA, 0.934 WHiP and 4.14 strikeout to walk rate are more indicative of the type of pitcher he truly is. Now, the Royals can send someone to the mound capable of going toe to toe with the best in baseball, that pitcher who can neutralize any team whenever he steps on the mound.

The Royals had already found themselves as the favorites to come out of the American League and reach the World Series. Now, with this trade, Moore and the Royals have displayed that they are all in on getting that championship. Last year’s run, which saw the Royals come up a game short, will hopefully be a distant memory as the Royals have geared up for another October run.

There is still work to be done. The Kansas City Royals could use another bat in the outfield, or an upgrade at second base. However, Dayton Moore has filled one of the Royals biggest needs with his trade for Johnny Cueto.

[Editor’s Update: the story was confirmed by announcer Ryan Lefebvre on the Sunday Broadcast of the Royals/Astros game. The deal is Johnny Cueto plus cash to Kansas City for left-handed pitchers Brandon Finnegan, John Lamb, and Cody Reed.]

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