Cueto rejected offer from Diamondbacks, GM says

Arizona Diamondbacks general manager Dave Stewart said Sunday that right-hander Johnny Cueto rejected a contract offer from the club earlier this month, Nick Piecoro of AZCentral reports.

According to Steve Gilbert of MLB.com, the offer was worth $120 million over six years, but Stewart didn't confirm specifics.

Stewart wasn't deterred when Cueto turned down his offer, though, as the club reportedly met with his agent, Bryce Dixon, last week, according to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal. And Stewart is content to take his time, too, with David Price and Zack Greinke still available.

"When you've still got the two big guys who haven't done anything yet, Price and Greinke, you kind of want to wait," Stewart said.

"Depending on how he sees his client," Stewart continued, referring to Dixon. "And he probably sees his client above (Jordan) Zimmermann, it puts you in a situation where you want to wait and see what happens."

Though the Diamondbacks remain determined to improve their rotation this offseason, Cueto may command more than Arizona is willing to spend, especially after Zimmermann reportedly landed a five-year, $110-million from the Detroit Tigers on Sunday. According to Rosenthal, the Diamondbacks are willing to spend up to $18 million annually on a starting pitcher to headline their rotation, but with Cueto expected to earn more than $20 million annually on a multi-year deal, he may not be a fit. Unless Stewart can make a compelling case to ownership, of course.

"I guess ultimately that decision is going to be made by ownership, if we can go there," Stewart said. "Having a conversation with him gave us an idea of what's going to happen and what he's thinking. We're going to have to wait and see how this thing plays out."

Though Cueto has been one of the most effective right-handers of the last half-decade, the Dominican native struggled after being acquired by the Kansas City Royals ahead of the non-waiver trade deadline. In 13 regular-season starts for the Royals, Cueto stumbled to a 4.76 ERA while allowing 101 hits - including 10 homers - in 81 1/3 innings.

Still, Cueto finished the campaign with a 3.44 ERA (117 ERA+) in 32 starts while posting peripheral stats very much in line with his career norms.