Is Johnny Cueto teasing a Reds return with his latest social media post?

The Cincinnati Reds addressed one of their needs on Monday by signing veteran catcher Luke Maile to a one-year deal. But might Nick Krall and the Reds front office be looking to make another addition as well?

The Reds need to add a veteran starter to their roster this offseason. Perhaps that veteran will be former Cincinnati ace Johnny Cueto.

Cueto took to Twitter on Monday with a new profile picture of the two-time All-Star wearing a Cincinnati Reds jersey. The tweet, labeled #NewProfilePic, is a bit cryptic as it also includes former Reds manager Dusty Baker.

Is Johnny Cueto teasing a Reds return with his latest social media post?

After the Chicago White Sox, whom Johnny Cueto pitched for in 2022, signed free agent pitcher Mike Clevinger to a one-year deal last week, it appears as though the South Siders rotation is set for next season.

Cueto, who is a free agent in his own right, will looking to build off his bounce-back 2022 campaign. The 36-year-old went 8-10 in 25 games last season. Cueto posted a 3.35 ERA in 158.1 innings of work. It's arguably the best season Cueto has produced since 2016.

While Johnny Cueto's tweet could be about returning to the Cincinnati Reds, it may also involve a reunion with former skipper Dusty Baker in Houston. Fresh off their World Series win, the Astros could use an extra arm heading into next season, especially if Cy Young Award-winner Justin Verlander leaves during free agency.

The Reds have a trio of young starters who'll undoubtedly be in the rotation next season. Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, and Graham Ashcraft will all look to improve upon their rookie campaigns from a year ago.

Brandon Williamson and Levi Stoudt will likely get a look in spring training, and you can't forget about Justin Dunn, Luis Cessa, and Connor Overton. But Johnny Cueto's presence on the Cincinnati Reds roster would certainly allow the club to take their time with the young arms and give the second-year players a veteran mentor who's had success at the highest level.