The Marlins have shown interest in free agent starter Johnny Cueto, tweets Jon Morosi of MLB.com.
Miami joins the Blue Jays and Reds as clubs known to have touched base with the veteran righty’s camp.
Miami’s an odd fit for a rotation pickup. They’re already deep in starting pitching, with Trevor Rogers, Pablo López, Edward Cabrera, Braxton Garrett and Jesús Luzardo on hand as options behind Cy Young winner Sandy Alcantara.
There’s enough talent on the pitching staff the Fish have apparently looked for ways to swap out a starter for offensive help this offseason, though nothing has come together on that front.
Any interest in Cueto would seem to be contingent on dealing one of their current starters.
He’s sure to find a rotation spot somewhere after a solid 2022 season in Chicago. The 36-year-old (37 in February) made 25 appearances and threw 158 1/3 innings this past season.
Cueto posted a 3.35 ERA, based largely on his plus control. He only walked around 5% of opponents, maintaining the quality strike-throwing ability he’s shown throughout his career. He struck out a below-average 15.7% of batters faced while averaging just above 91 MPH, but his pitch-to-contact approach served him well this year.
That solid showing is likely to earn him a raise over this past season’s $4MM base salary.
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