The Kansas City Royals acquired the right-hander Johnny Cueto in a deal with the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday, trading three prospects to acquire a legitimate ace for their beleaguered rotation.
Kansas City, which lost the World Series to San Francisco in seven games last October, has the best record in the American League. But Yordano Ventura has underperformed this year, and Jason Vargas will miss the rest of the season after he injured his elbow last week, increasing the need for pitching help.
The trade was greeted with a loud ovation when it was announced during the third inning of the Royals’ home game against the Astros on Sunday afternoon, an eventual 5-1 win behind seven strong innings from Ventura.