Reds pitcher Johnny Cueto hopes for new deal before opening day

Reds pitcher Johnny Cueto says he would like to work out a long-term deal with the team before the regular season starts. Cueto is in the final year of a four-year, $27 million deal and is scheduled to making $10 million this season

Cincinnati Reds pitcher Johnny Cueto says he would like to work out a long-term deal with the team before the regular season starts.

Cincinnati opens the 2015 campaign on April 6 at home against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Cueto is in the final year of a four-year, $27 million deal and is scheduled to make $10 million this season. Cueto could be traded or leave as a free agent if the two sides don’t reach an agreement.

“It would be good to have something done before. That would take things out of my mind," Cueto said, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. "But, to be honest, all I have to do is continue to play baseball. I'm going to continue to play my game. I came here to play baseball."

Cueto’s agent, Bryce Dixon, said there was nothing new to report with the negotiations on a possible new contract.

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The Reds have already traded starters Mat Latos and Alfredo Simon this offseason and are projected to have a $115 million payroll in 2015.

Cueto, 29, went 20-9 last season with a 2.25 ERA and 242 strikeouts, finishing second in the the National League Cy Young voting to Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw.

“I will say at this point right I've got to continue doing my job," Cueto said. "The person in charge, they're the one who knows. I would love to stay here, I want to stay here.”

Cincinnati finished 76-86 and in fourth place in the NL Central in 2014.

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