According to an MLB.com report, the Red's reached an agreement with 24-year old starting pitcher Johnny Cueto on Thursday on a four-year, $27 million contract extension, days after both sides had submitted their initial arbitration numbers. Cueto, coming off a year in which he went 12-7 and set career highs in wins, ERA (3.64), and innings pitched (185 2/3) was likely to receive his arbitration request of $3.9 million, but will instead receive a pay-raise and the security of a four-year extension. The extension keeps Cueto a member of the Reds through the 2014 season.

While the deal is pending a physical examination, Cueto is the third member of Cincinnati's young core to receive an extension this off-season, joining outfielder Jay Bruce and first baseman Joey Votto. These moves are a sign to Major League Baseball and the Reds' fanbase that the Reds intend to compete for another NL Central Division title and keep their young core intact.

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