Cueto opts out, becomes free agent, per reports
MLB Rumors: Johnny Cueto has opted out of his minor league deal with the Texas Rangers and become a free agent, per multiple reports. Cueto had the right to opt out on July 1 if he was not on the major league roster.
The Rangers signed Cueto to a minor league deal in late April, and the 38 year old righthander made a tune-up appearance for the ACL Rangers before joining the rotation at AAA Round Rock. In 38 innings over 8 starts, Cueto has struck out 30, walked eight and put up a 5.92 ERA.
The Rangers added Cueto as potential rotation depth, as the team was dealing with pitching injuries on top of the ones they started the season with. Max Scherzer has now returned to the active roster, however, which has bumped Dane Dunning into the bullpen, while Tyler Mahle is starting a rehab assignment this week and should be joining the rotation later this month. With no path to the majors with Texas, Cueto is now a free agent and will be looking elsewhere to try to get back to the bigs.