Cueto hints he won't opt out: My whole mentality is to stay with Giants

Johnny Cueto may have unfinished business in the Bay Area.

The San Francisco Giants hurler's contract contains an opt-out clause after the 2017 season that Cueto could choose to exercise due to the Giants' unexpected struggles this year. But Cueto - who hasn't pitched for the club since July 14 because of a nagging blister issue on his right hand - may not be ready to call it quits in San Francisco after just two seasons.

"My whole mentality has been for me to stay here," Cueto said through an interpreter Monday, according to the Mercury News' Andrew Baggarly. "At the end of the season, I'll talk to my agent and we'll make a decision.

"But when I signed with the team, it was to help the team win."

Cueto's eventual decision could also have massive financial ramifications for the 31-year-old.

By opting out of the six-year pact he signed with the Giants prior to last season, the two-time All-Star and former National League Cy Young runner-up would be forfeiting a guaranteed $89 million from 2018-21 (the Giants also hold a $22-million club option for 2022), an amount that could prove tough for Cueto to receive as a free agent after a blister-ridden season.

That could also help fuel his desire to stick around for all six seasons, as he initially anticipated doing.

"When I signed the contract, that was the whole idea," Cueto said, according to Baggarly. "However, as you know, the world turns. You never know what can happen. You have (Zack) Greinke's situation where he had a good year and opted out.

"The only thing I thought about was staying here with my teammates, and let things happen."