Now that the All-Star Game is behind is, we can get started on the trade market. And with two weeks until the trade deadline, the Cincinnati Reds appear to be going into sell-mode – both Johnny Cueto and Mike Leake look very available.
#Reds are prepared to trade prospective free agents Johnny Cueto and Mike Leake now that All-Star Game is over, sources say. @FOXSports
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 17, 2015
Oh yes, I am TINGLING with anticipation.
Both Cueto and Leake are free agents after the season, so the Reds would likely be looking for a return that would also help offset the draft picks they wouldn’t be getting next year with a qualifying offer to either player.
The 29-year old Cueto has a 2.73 ERA in 118 2/3 innings this season, striking out 113 and walking just 22. Leake is 27, and has a 4.08 ERA in 114 2/3 innings. He’s struck out 79 and walked 31.
There are plenty of contenders out there looking for starting pitching, though the Houston Astros could be the best fit – they’ve inquired on Cueto recently along with the Dodgers, Blue Jays, Yankees, and Giants.
