When Johnny Cueto signed with the San Francisco Giants in late 2015, it was an interesting arrangement. Six years/$130 million, with a player opt-out after two seasons, and a team option for a seventh year.
Most assumptions at the time were that if Cueto had a strong couple of seasons, he would opt out after this year and explore free agency options once again.
This continued to be the prevailing theory even after the 2016 season, in which Cueto had a strong year and even started the All-Star Game. Cueto was considered a second ace behind Madison Bumgarner and helped the Giants get to the playoffs.