Blue Jays: Would management take on bad contracts to gain prospects?

Johnny Cueto

When the Toronto Blue Jays traded Kevin Pillar to the San Francisco Giants, it came as a shock to many fans in Blue Jays nation. What would be even more shocking would be if the Blue Jays were to take on injured veteran pitcher Johnny Cueto. Cueto is currently rehabbing from the Tommy John surgery he received last August, and while it’s still possible that he plays sometime in September this season, it’s arguably just as likely that he will not play at all in 2019.

The Giants would probably be interested in moving on from the 2-time all-star if they could find a suitable partner. Cueto is under contract for two more years at a costly 21 million per season. Also, he has a five million dollar buy out for 2022. There is no question that for any team willing to take on Cueto’s contract, they will expect a large portion paid by the Giants, and the Blue Jays front office would be no different in expecting that.

However, If the Blue Jays can get a healthy Johnny Cueto for 10 million a season, plus one or more prospects in return, I can see them being interested in that type of deal. Additionally, If the Blue Jays do end up moving on from Marcus Stroman or Aaron Sanchez this season, there will still be a need for a starter both this year and next on the roster. Plus then if the Blue Jays return to contention in 2021, having a healthy Johnny Cueto as a fifth starter at 10 million dollars might work out to be a good deal in the end, although the prospect pieces would be more important.