Breaking: 2-Time All-Star Johnny Cueto Signs With AL Contender

 He proved in 2022 that he could still perform admirably at the major league level. Now, 38-year-old former two-time All-Star Johnny Cueto has decided on his destination for 2024: the Texas Rangers.

Free-agent pitcher Johnny Cueto and the Texas Rangers are in agreement on a minor-league contract, source said. First: @JonHeyman.

— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) April 23, 2024

It's a minor league deal for the 16-year veteran, who'd been throwing for teams around the majors on multiple occasions over the past month or two. His agent recently told us “He’s got gas left in the tank."

Johnny Cueto chose the Rangers for two primary reasons, I’m told: He wants to pitch for a contender, and he has a strong relationship with Bruce Bochy. Cueto spent four seasons pitching for Bochy in San Francisco. @MLBNetwork

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) April 23, 2024

Insider Jon Morosi tells us that Cueto chose Texas because of his relationship with manager Bruce Bochy and his desire to pitch for a contender. 

Cueto signed with the Miami Marlins in 2023, and appeared in 13 games while struggling to a 6.02 ERA. But in 2022, the veteran righty showed he still had it, pitching to a 3.35 ERA in 24 starts with a 1.22 WHIP and a solid 102:33 strikeout-to-walk ratio. 

The Rangers could use some help in the rotation, currently with Max Scherzer on the shelf for a few more weeks, and Jacob deGrom expected to be out until at least August. 

The team finds itself in the middle of the pack in starters' ERA this season, and have been having trouble staying above the .500 mark. 

Cueto is a two-time All-Star (2014, 2016) and has a career mark of 144-111 with a 3.50 ERA and a 1.20 WHIP.

Photo: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports