Now that Zack Greinke has signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Johnny Cueto has emerged as the top free agent pitcher available this offseason. The hot stove is burning with free agent rumors swirling around the league.

According to multiple reports, both the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs are very interested in signing the 29-year-old Dominican ace.

The Dodgers know they have to make a splash in free agency considering the fact that they lost Greinke. Clayton Kershaw is still an elite pitcher, but the Dodgers want to add more depth. Reports have also surfaced that the Diamondbacks offered Cueto $120 million, but he and his agent rejected the offer. If the Dodgers want Cueto they are going to have to give up a pretty penny.

Cueto is obviously a very talented pitcher as he has a 3.30 career ERA and 96 victories. He tackled his playoff demons this year by defeating the New York Mets in Game 2 of the World Series, allowing just one run in nine innings. We just saw David Price sign a $217 million deal with the Boston Red Sox. Although Price is an elite pitcher as well, he has struggled big time in the postseason. Is there a possibility Cueto is demanding more than Price? It's very unlikely he'll get more than Price, but it's always worth trying.

Back to the Dodgers. According to Fan Sided, the Dodgers have not just expressed interest in Cueto, but they have in fact "touched base" with the veteran pitcher as well. That same report also indicates that the Dodgers have reached out to Mike Leake. Leake is a pretty good pitcher who is only 28 years old. He won't give you the same quality innings that Cueto will, but he certainly won't cost as much either.

The San Francisco Giants stunned many when they signed Jeff Samardzija to a $90 million contract. Samardzija allowed the most earned runs, hits and home runs last season with the Chicago White Sox. because the Giants signed Samardzija to that contract, many MLB experts believe they could be out of the Cueto sweepstakes.

The Chicago Cubs heavily pursued Price, but lost out to the Boston Red Sox. 'Cueto to the Cubs' talks have simmered down lately, but they are still believed to be in the mix for the Dominican starter. The Cubs will make a bid, but they may want to let Cueto walk. Last season the Cubs pitching staff ranked third in team ERA, and Jake Arrieta won the National League Cy Young Award. Offensively the Cubs ranked 16th in runs scored, so it may be wiser to spend more money on that side of the plate instead. Fortunately for Cubs fans, it looks like their team is actively pursing Jason Heyward.

Other notable free agent pitchers include Yovani Gallardo and Wei-Yin Chen.

Follow Damon Salvadore on Twitter @DamonSalvadore1