Houston Astros: Keuchel declines qualifying offer, now a free agent
By Kyle Cardoza
The Houston Astros have multiple holes to fill in the starting rotation. Another one may be open, as left-hander Dallas Keuchel is now officially a free agent.
Although the Houston Astros boasted one of the best starting rotations in the league last season, some nights put fans into a near-cardiac arrest. And throughout the first three months, it typically involved Dallas Keuchel.
But the southpaw might not stand atop the mound in Houston next season. Keuchel declined the club’s qualifying offer, pushing him into the forefront of the free agent discussion this offseason.
Rumors suggest the former Cy Young winner will seek a long-term deal. Nevertheless, some MLB team will offer him a significant amount of money, primarily because of his track record and durability.
Yet, this past season reminded fans and opponents of Keuchel’s inconsistency. The Astros starter produced haphazard numbers, especially across the final four months of the season.
ERA by month:
April: 3.90
May: 3.32
June: 5.72
July: 1.65
August: 3.49
September: 4.65
The lefty limited teams to no runs in six starts throughout 2018. But he also compiled seven starts in which he surrendered more than five runs. Houston’s former ace sported his highest WHIP since 2013. Moreover, he whiffed just 6.7 hitters per nine innings, nearly a career low.
Teams suggest his veteran experience as the rationale for a contract worth $80 million. Compared to the other options on the free agent market, he may be more valuable for that reason.
However, Keuchel is already 31 years old. Already slated as a pitch-to-contact guy, the Astros pitcher will need phenomenal control to remain efficient. For a potential contender, he will need to be even better to be considered a good buy.
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For these reasons, Houston’s front office may not fork over enough cash to keep Keuchel. Although the Astros are in need of a few starters, there are other – cheaper – options available.
Few free agent starters provide as many innings as the left-hander did during his previous six years in Houston. Of the notable names, only James Shields has more innings in that span than Keuchel. Of course, Shields was not as dominant during that time.
But it is difficult to put a price on the Astros pitcher’s value. Keuchel can retain the status of a mid-rotation workhorse. Yet considering his repertoire and age, he could quickly spiral into a back-end innings eater.
Next. When Dallas Keuchel was most inconsistent. dark
Whichever identity he embraces may not matter to Houston fans. In fact, the Astros may be facing him on the mound at some point next year.
This could be the end of a turbulent era for the farm system product. Surely Keuchel would have not regrets from his time in the Lone Star state.