By Hunter Hendrickson The Reds were trying to work out a deal to avoid arbitration with right-hander Johnny Cueto. Turns out, they might have locked him up all the way through his first free-agent year.
Cueto and the Reds have reached agreement on a four-year $27 million contract extension, our sources say, The Reds did not confirm the report, which said the agreement is pending a physical examination, though the club did acknowledge that discussions about a multiyear deal with Cueto have taken place.
If the deal goes through, then Cueto would be the third arbitration-eligible player the Reds have locked in with a multiyear commitment this winter. Outfielder Jay Bruce signed a six-year, $51 million deal last month, and reigning MVP Joey Votto signed a three-year, $38 million contract earlier this week.
The 24-year-old Cueto, a native of the Dominican, went 12-7 after being 12-3, with a ERA of 3.64 and pitched in the final game of the year in the 2-0 loss to the Phildelphia Philles in the Playoffs. His wins total, ERA, innings pitched (185 2/3) and walks allowed (56) were all career-bests.
Earlier this week, when arbitration figures were exchanged, Cueto had asked for $3.9 million for the 2011 season, with the Reds countering with a $3 million offer.
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