Johnny Cueto (SP-CIN)

It is indisputable that 2013 was a disastrous season for Johnny Cueto. He made three trips to the disabled list due to a strained muscle in his side which limited him to only 11 starts. Despite that, he has been one of the most consistent fantasy pitchers over the past few years including three consecutive seasons posting an ERA under 3.00. Cueto has worked extremely hard this off-season on an adjusted delivery with the hope that it will prevent any re-aggravation of his injury.

 Cueto has the benefit of having a good offense and one of the league's best bullpens behind him. He is also pitching with financial incentives as the Reds have a club option on him in 2015 for $10,000,000 along with an $800,000 buyout. Remember, Cueto is only two seasons removed from a 19-9 campaign along with a 2.78 ERA. He has reached a point in his careerwhere he needs to firmly​establish himself as a staff ace, and in order to do that he has to remain healthy. Given all of the work he has put in to his recovery and the fact he has a proven track record, there is no reason to think he can’t return to his 2012 form and rack up wins while also maintaining a sparkling ERA and WHIP. Plus, he can be had at a very reduced price because of hisinjury-riddled 2013 season. Target Cueto as a potential late round steal with tremendous upside.

If you are wondering the best way to evaluate arms such as Cueto so that you can find these “gems” on the mound, I've got just the thing for you. It's the 2014 Fantasy Alarm Draft Guide powered by BaseballGuys. There are a couple of articles detailing exactly how you can go about finding bargains on players who are on the comeback trail in 2014.