Report: Reds prepared to trade Johnny Cueto, Mike Leake
The Cincinnati Reds are preparing to possibly trade starting pitchers Johnny Cueto and Mike Leake, according to FOXSports.com’s Jon Morosi.
The non-waiver trading deadline is July 31, with the waiver deadline being Aug. 31.
Cueto and Leake are both in the final seasons of their contracts. Cueto is earning $10 million this season, the end of a four-year, $27 million contract. Leake is making $9.8 million in 2015 after signing a one-year deal in the off-season.
USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported earlier this week that the Houston Astros, Toronto Blue Jays and Kansas City Royals have been the most aggressive in their attempts to acquire Cueto.
Cueto to Royals, Tigers out of playoffs and more bold AL predictions
Cueto, 29, is 6–6 with a 2.73 ERA and 113 strikeouts in 118 2/3 innings this season. The 27-year old Leake is 6–5 with a 4.08 ERA and is scheduled to start on Friday against the Cleveland Indians.
While Reds management has not commented on trade rumors, there is speculation that reliever Aroldis Chapman and outfielders Jay Bruce and Marlon Byrd could also be on the move at the trading deadline.
• Bold NL predictions for second half of season
Cincinnati is 39–47, 15 1/2 games behind the St. Louis Cardinals in the National League Central and 7 1/2 games out of a Wild Card spot.
- Scooby Axson
