Royals still eyeing Cueto after initial deal stalls

Talks betweeen the Royals and Reds became serious enough that star Reds pitcher Johnny Cueto heard before Saturday night’s start that he might soon be traded, and Cueto remains a focus of the Royals as the AL Central leader tries to add a top-of-the-rotation starter.

A report from FOXSports.com suggested a “medical” issue came up with one of the other players involved in the potential trade, scuttling things. However, the sides are still talking, sources say.

A Royals-connected person also suggested no new medical information was exchanged and also that he was unaware that that there was a medical holdup, though that doesn’t necessarily mean the Reds didn’t find something.

The Royals seem determined to add a top starter, and Cueto is their current focus since they don’t believe the can’t afford Cole Hamels and David Price hasn’t yet been made available. They are also looking at Cueto’s Reds teammate Mike Leake, and perhaps to a lesser degree, Jeff Samardzija. Yovani Gallardo also could become a possibility if he’s made available.

The Royals will not trade top shortstop prospect Raul Mondesi in any rental deal, according to sources, and that includes even Cueto, though they have several other very good prospects, including pitchers Kyle Zimmer and Sean Manaea, outfielder Bubba Starling and others. The Reds are believed to seek position players in particular.

Cueto enhanced his trade value with eight shutout innings at Coors Field, which isn’t easy, last night. Even more impressive, he did that after being told he might be traded. That information apparently came from Reds rookie pitcher Michael Lorenzen, who also warmed up in case the deal went through.

Johnny Cueto could make his next start for the Royals. (USATSI)

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