Royals Rumors: Johnny Cueto Deal Finally Announced After Drama

Despite KC Royals rumors and reports otherwise, the team’s deal for starting pitcher Johnny Cueto is finally official.

[Editor’s Note: Deal made official during this writing.]

Late Sunday morning, Ken Rosenthal and ESPN reported that the KC Royals acquired Johnny Cueto from the Cincinnati Reds. Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports confirmed.

This could be a terrific addition for the Royals’ rotation as they try to secure the American League Central, and into the playoffs.

But hold on! Despite Rosenthal’s and Passan’s initial tweets, subsequent reports indicate the deal may not be sealed. Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports confirmed via.

Twitter has been ablaze with contrary reports from respected baseball insiders.

Source: #Royals getting Cueto.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 26, 2015

Source confirms @Ken_Rosenthal report that Johnny Cueto has been traded to Kansas City. Return still unknown.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 26, 2015

Jon Heyman of CBS Sports also agreed with the news.

and yes, there is agreement on cueto deal to royals. @Ken_Rosenthal way 1st
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 26, 2015

Now for the reports that are creating some drama. Mark Sheldon of MLB.com says Cueto hasn’t been notified.

Cueto just arrived to #reds clubhouse - says "nobody has told me nothing."
— Mark Sheldon (@m_sheldon) July 26, 2015

MLB Network insider Joel Sherman also couldn’t confirm but trusts Rosenthal.

Have been unable to confirm #Reds Cueto to #Royals but trust @Ken_Rosenthal so here's story http://t.co/7lWCxjNrJG on what would mean to KC
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) July 26, 2015

The Royals are not confirming either according to Andy McCullough of the Kansas City Star.

KC officials won't confirm team's acquisition of Johnny Cueto, which @Ken_Rosenthal said was done. Details should emerge today.
— Andy McCullough (@ByMcCullough) July 26, 2015

Dayton Moore was close-mouthed aswell.

Dayton Moore to Ryan Lefebvre on #Royals pregame on Johnny Cueto trade - "Not a lot of truth to it at this point."
— Josh Vernier (@JoshVernier610) July 26, 2015

John Fay from Cincinnati.com isn’t convinced either.

Price says Cueto has not been trade. “Absolutely no movement.” #reds
— John Fay (@johnfayman) July 26, 2015

There could be a couple of things holding up the deal if in fact the deal is not done. The Royals want to make sure Cueto is not injured, and the two teams may not have decided on who the Royals might give up in return.

Speculation is leaning toward maybe John Lamb and/or Brandon Finnegan could be involved.

hearing lefties john lamb and brandon finnegan could be in cueto trade. not confirmed. @jonmorosi @JeffPassan on this.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 26, 2015

Ken Rosenthal, who first broke this news, which led to ESPN to report it on air during the Baseball Hall of Fame Induction festivities, is a respected insider. It is doubtful he would have broken any news unless he was certain it was true.

As I am writing this, the Royals have announced on air that the trade is official. Johnny Cueto, plus cash, has been acquired by the KC Royals for Lamb, Finnegan, and Cody Reed.

And there it is. Cueto plus cash for Finnegan, Lamb and Cody Reed.
— Andy McCullough (@ByMcCullough) July 26, 2015

Stay tuned if anymore KC Royals rumors come true! Go Royals!!!

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