New York Yankees Editorial: Should The Yankees Trade For Reds’ Johnny Cueto?

July 31st inches closer and closer with each second ticking. For those who are unaware, July 31st is the non-waiver trade deadline for Major League Baseball (MLB). Although trade talks occur more often as the date nears, there is constantly traction between franchises prior to the deadline.

Looking at the New York Yankees and the potential moves they could make as the deadline approaches, is more than a journey. Currently, the Yankees hold a one game lead for first place in a fragile American League East with a record of 27-25. Yankees’ general manager Brian Cashman will have to field a multitude of questions in regards to improving the depleted roster the Yankees uphold currently.

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Insert the curious Johnny Cueto question. The Cincinnati Reds are currently hold a 22-27 record, good for fourth in the National League Central. With Cueto’s contract expiring at the end of the 2015 season, the Reds could look to deal the pitcher if they fall out of contention.

Earlier, Bryce Dixon, agent of Cueto, engaged in conversation regarding trade talks with MLB Networks Radio’s Jim Bowden. During the conversation, Dixon refereed to that a trade could make sense for the Reds organization.

"“They’ve made no indications to Johnny that they want to trade him, but reading the tea leaves, if they fall out of contention, it seems to make sense from their end. If they ride the season out with him and don’t make the playoffs, then they’re stuck with a compensation pick. And, from where I sit, I think they can probably get more than that on the trade market” (audio link)."

Exercising the ability to maximize value in the MLB as a general manager is crucial. Why let Cueto go, hypothetically, for a compensation pick, when you could acquire young talent in prospects?

Throughout his tenure with the Reds, Cueto has been the heart of the pitching staff. In his entirety of his career, Cueto holds a 3.22 earned run average in 203 games. Upholding the pitching staff has been one of many accomplishments the right-hander has achieved.

Cueto ranks third on MLBTR’s Free Agent Power Rankings, behind San Diego Padres’ Justin Upton and Detroit Tigers’ David Price. Both Upton and Price were acquired via trade in the past year or so, contributing to their respected ball club.

Jul 20, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Johnny Cueto (47) pitches during the first inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

So should the Yankees pursue Cueto? Cueto would not come at a bargain value. For example, the Tigers acquired Price from the Tampa Bay Rays for pitcher Drew Smyly and minor league infielder Willy Adams. In addition, the Rays also acquired Nick Franklin from the Seattle Mariners, as the deal was a three-team trade.

Cashman has stated that he wouldn’t intend to pursue a major acquisition for a pitcher prior to the trade deadline. “I don’t see us making a major acquisition for a pitcher [at this time] but I’m not going to say I wouldn’t do it,” (Cafardo).

Sure, Yankees fans shouldn’t get their hopes up for numerous big accusations, as they have been spoiled by their riches and free agency frenzies, but the Yankees have been proven to make the move, regardless of price.

If the Yankees were to pursue Cueto solely, the rental projection could more than likely start with either top prospects Aaron Judge or Luis Severino, two potential contributors to the Yankees’ long-term success. Of course, that would be an estimate, but hypothetically speaking, would that be worth a half-year of Cueto’s talents? The intimidating factor is that Cueto is free to sign anywhere come the 2015 off-season.

With projections of Judge and Severino potentially being the nucleus of a new upcoming of Yankees, why distrubt a potential success for the future. According to Kevin Manahan of NJ.com, the Yankees rank fourth oldest in terms of their 2015 roster.

If ends meet, it is not as much about Cueto’s talent, but the price tag that comes with acquiring him. Sure, the 29-year-old could aid the Yankees down the stretch of the 2015 season and solidify the Yankees of a playoff run should they maintain their division lead through the deadline, but with the uncertainty and the favorable free agent market, resigning Cueto could prove to be ineffective, as he may request a colossal contract.

Having a balance of veterans and youth could eventually result in a winning trend. Unfortunately, Cueto does not seem as an ideal plan for the Yankees and their future endeavors.

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