Chicago Cubs: Is Johnny Cueto a practical trade possibility?

Better than advertised

Cueto came off a fantastic season in 2016, winning 18 games, the third-highest total of his career. His 2.79 ERA was also among the best, and he looked to be every bit the ace his $130 million contract indicated.

Of course, that was last year, and now there’s the ugly 2017 campaign.

Chicago Cubs

Nothing has gone right for the Giants, and that extends to Cueto who has had his own personal adversity on the mound. His numbers resemble nothing close to the Cueto that we are accustomed to. Currently, he’s 5-7 with an ugly 4.20 ERA.

Cueto made 16 starts this season, and has allowed 18 home runs.

In his first 16 starts last season, Cueto allowed just four home runs and had an ERA of 2.67. He gave up 15 home runs all of last season.

Cueto is walking more batters but also striking them out at the same consistency as his career lines. Even his BB/9 (2.50) is still good for 12th in the league among qualified starters.

Cueto isn’t the only Giants’ starter struggling, and while it’s a tad surprising just how bad their starters have been, considering AT&T Park favors pitchers according to ESPN MLB Park Factors, bullpen issues since day one, as well as a rash of injuries, have unraveled the team before being able to gather solid footing.

With Cueto’s All-Star past and Cy Young potential, it’s easier to throw away his 2017 numbers. A recurring blister problem can also speak to his performance issues, and not a deeper injury or mechanical flaw.