MLB Rumors: Johnny Cueto, Rangers Agree to Minor-League Contract After Marlins Stint

After his stint with the Miami Marlins in 2023, veteran pitcher Johnny Cueto has found a new home.

Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported on Tuesday that Cueto has signed with the Texas Rangers. Robert Murray of Fansided reported that the right-handed hurler received a minor-league contract.

Cueto spent the entire winter and the start of the 2024 season as a free agent. He is hoping that his deal with Texas will give him a chance at a 17th major league season.

Jon Morosi of MLB.com reported that Cueto chose the defending World Series champion Rangers because he wants to pitch for a contender and because of his close relationship with manager Bruce Bochy. The two of them spent four seasons together with the San Francisco Giants.

It was just two years ago that Cueto finished the 2022 season while pitching for the Chicago White Sox with a 3.35 ERA, his lowest since 2018. However, his one-year run with the Marlins didn't go as well.

In his first start with Miami last season, Cueto suffered a right biceps injury that caused him to be placed on the injured list. He suffered a sprained left ankle during a rehab assignment and remained sidelined until July 10. In all, he made 13 appearances for the Marlins with 10 starts in 2023 and finished with a 6.02 ERA in 52.1 innings of work.

The Rangers are off to a 12-11 start this season, which is good enough for first place in the AL West entering Tuesday's series opener against the Seattle Mariners (11-11). However, the team's collective 4.19 ERA ranks 22nd in MLB, so it could use a veteran starter like Cueto if he's able to stay healthy.