Cueto, 28, went 20-9 with a 2.25 ERA last season, leading the National League in starts (34) and innings (243 2/3). He became the Reds' first 20-game winner since Danny Jackson (23-8) in 1988. David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports
The Cincinnati Reds picked up right-hander Johnny Cueto’s $10 million contract option Thursday, keeping the 20-game winner for another season.
The Reds reportedly opted against keeping outfielder Ryan Ludwick and infielder Jack Hannahan — paying half the value to buy out Ludwick’s $9 million option and Hannahan’s $4 million option.
Cueto, 28, went 20-9 with a 2.25 ERA last season, leading the National League in starts (34) and innings (243 2/3). He became the Reds’ first 20-game winner since Danny Jackson (23-8) in 1988. He can become a free agent after next season.
Ludwick hit .244 with nine homers and 45 RBIs last season, and Hannahan was injured for most of the year, playing in just 26 games.
