Phillies: Jose Altuve extension helps them with Dallas Keuchel pursuit
By Tim Boyle
The Houston Astros made the smart decision in locking up star second baseman Jose Altuve to a five-year deal worth $151 million. For the Philadelphia Phillies, this means a better chance at landing star pitcher Dallas Keuchel.
Next winter, we will see the Philadelphia Phillies make a huge push at adding some stars to their roster. Jake Arrieta and Carlos Santana are a nice start, but not nearly enough to get them to the World Series.
One of the best players entering 2018 on an expiring contract is Houston Astros starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel. Because they recently locked up reigning American League MVP Jose Altuve to a huge five-year deal worth $151 million, odds are that Keuchel walks. If he does, the Phillies are a perfect landing spot for the star lefty.
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The Phillies have plenty of money to spend. While they aren’t alone in that department, having Arrieta as a spokesperson to attract free agents should help. Knowing he could pitch in a rotation with an established star like Arrieta and one on the rise named Aaron Nola, Keuchel would be wise to at least listen to what Philadelphia has to offer.
Keuchel is perfect for the Phillies
Keuchel is exactly what the Phillies need. A lefty is a necessity for them at this stage. Better yet, he could pitch alongside his fellow 2015 Cy Young winner, Arrieta.
After a poor 2016 season, Keuchel rebounded in 2017 for his second All-Star campaign. He finished the year with a 14-5 record and 2.90 ERA over 23 starts.
Obviously, there’s a little concern about his health. However, there’s no reason to think what ailed him in 2017 will continue into the following season. Keuchel only has a little more to prove before a team like Philadelphia can toss him enough money to land in a similar tax bracket as Altuve.
Other free agents for the Phillies
If not Keuchel, the Phillies have many other choices. The Altuve deal could always lead to Keuchel signing elsewhere, thus opening up more options for the Phillies. I like the idea of them going after Lance Lynn after he ends his year with the Minnesota Twins. It also wouldn’t be bad to see Gio Gonzalez finally pitch for the Phillies a decade after they dealt him to the Chicago White Sox.
Next: Phillies early season concerns remain
All big deals in baseball have a cause and effect. As we’ll see with this blockbuster agreement between the Astros and Altuve, the aftershock will reach as far as Philadelphia.