Kansas City Royals: Looking back at Johnny Cueto trade two years later

Cueto didn’t help at all in the ALCS against the Toronto Blue Jays.

He took the mound in Game 3, which took place in Toronto, and was awful. Cueto only managed to make it through two innings and was rocked for six runs off of eight hits by the Blue Jays, who were determined to get a win in the series. It was Cueto’s only appearance in the ALCS.

Cueto pitched as perfect as anyone could in the highest pressure situations imaginable.

The Royals eventually won the American League pennant for the second straight year and the consensus was that this was what the team went and got the former Reds ace for. Which Johnny Cueto would show up in the World Series though? Would the Royals see the ALDS Game 5 Cueto or would ALCS Game 3 Cueto be returning for another beating on the mound?

Fortunately, Cueto only had to take the mound once during the World Series, and he was spectacular during his lone appearance. After winning Game 1 in extra innings, Cueto was the starter for Game 2, squaring off against Jacob deGrom of the New York Mets.

Cueto pitched as perfect as anyone could in the highest pressure situations imaginable. He threw a complete game and only allowed one run off of two hits. TWO HITS ALL NIGHT. Of course, the Royals backed Cueto up with some run support and a fabulous defense, but Cueto absolutely proved to be worth the trade for this game alone.