Chicago White Sox sign Johnny Cueto to minor league deal

The Chicago White Sox added some depth to their pitching by signing former San Francisco Giants pitcher Johnny Cueto late Monday night per Jeff Passan.

After trading Craig Kimbrel to the Dodgers, losing Garrett Crochet for the year, and losing Lance Lynn for at least the first month of the season all within a one week span, general manager Rick Hahn acted fast to sign a new pitcher to the team that is likely a good bet to contribute, at least until Lynn recovers from his slightly torn knee tendon.

Lynn is expected to be back within 4-8 weeks but it could be more time that he misses depending on how quickly he can heal from the surgery.  The good news is that this injury happened before the season even kicks off as opposed to late in the year like last year with so many of the White Sox pitchers.  It is important to note that the White Sox hired new trainers for this 2022 season.

The deal for Cueto is reportedly a $4.2 million deal and it’s an easy deal for Hahn to make with the hits that pitching staff has recently taken.  There is no reason to believe Cueto can’t contribute to a White Sox pitching staff that is arguably worse than last year.

With the recent additions of Josh Harrison, A.J,. Pollock, and backup catcher Reese McGuire from the Toronto Blue Jays, it is clear that pitching is now the most glaring hole on this team.  Cueto should definitely improve that as a 4th or 5th starter in the rotation immediately.

In his 2021 season with the Giants, Cueto made 21 starts and posted a 4.08 ERA. In 114.2 innings.  In those innings, Cueto posted 98 Ks and 30 BB, winning 7 gamee and losing 7.  Cueto is a two time all star.

In other pitching news, Lucas Giolito has once again been announced as the opening day starter for the ballclub.  It will be Giolito’s third straight opening day start for the White Sox.

Make sure to check out our WHITE SOX forum for the latest on the team.

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