4 risk/reward options for the Red Sox in homage to Chaim Bloom

Johnny Cueto

Last season, the Miami Marlins plucked free agent Johnny Cueto to be part of their rotation. The part they were looking for was Cueto of 2022, when the righty made 24 starts (8-10, 3.35) for the White Sox, but they got 1-4, 6.02, and a physical breakdown.

Cueto has an expensive option; the assumption was the Marlins would risk it -- they did not. Cueto's fastball is down slightly (91.1) over his prime years, but control is still there (2.6 BB/9), as is his variety of pitches. In 2023, Cueto went to IL a few times, which is noteworthy at 37 years old.

Cueto is typically an accomplished veteran on the back nine of an excellent MLB career. Cueto will land somewhere now that the Marlins will look elsewhere, and he would provide what the Marlins anticipated - a solid veteran who could provide depth and leadership.

As with the previously mentioned players, Cueto is the typical risk/reward that failed with Kluber. If I had to pick one of the four, I would go with Cueto and possibly think DFA somewhere during 2024.

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