Cueto is expected to opt out of his contract following the end of this season, Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports Network reports.
Heyman describes the situation as, "it would probably take an injury or major slump for Cueto not to opt out." In that case, it seems pretty clear that the 31-year-old will opt out of the six-year, $130 million contract he signed with the Giants in December of 2015. With four years and $84 million left on his deal at the conclusion of this year, Cueto believes that he can find a better deal elsewhere. The right-hander is open to an extension with the Giants but it is apparent that the team does not favor that outcome. This season, Cueto has posted a 4.42 ERA with a 1.30 WHIP to go along with 90 strikeouts in 15 starts for San Francisco, totaling a 5-7 record.