Houston Astros still interested in reunion with Dallas Keuchel

The Houston Astros are not closing the door on a reunion with Dallas Keuchel, although their offers have not been to his liking.

At this point, the Houston Astros rotation appears to be set for this season. Even though Dallas Keuchel and Charlie Morton entered free agency, the Astros were able to fill those holes internally, with Collin McHugh and Brad Peacock set to join the rotation for the coming year. With the likes of Justin Verlander, Gerrit Cole, and the recently signed Wade Miley, the Astros have quite the formidable rotation.

However, there are concerns. Specifically, none of their rotation is signed beyond this season. With that in mind, the Astros are still keeping in touch with Keuchel, although their offers have been more of the short term variety.

Adding Keuchel to the rotation once again would certainly help the Astros quest to return to the World Series. While he is not the prototypical top of the rotation starter, Keuchel has been a strong part of the Astros rotation. Last year, he posted a 12-11 record, along with a 3.74 ERA and a 1.314 WHiP, striking out 153 batters against 58 walks in 204.2 innings.

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Adding the 31 year old Keuchel would help the Astros in multiple ways. If they were to ink him to a longer term contract, it would give Houston a definite option in the rotation beyond this year. He may not be that ace starter any longer, but Keuchel can be a solid pitcher to build around.

This move would also put Peacock back into the bullpen. He excelled in that role last year, posting a 3.46 ERA and a 1.169 WHiP, striking out 96 batters in 65 innings as a multi-inning relief arm. Between Peacock and Chris Devenski, the Astros would have two pieces that could serve in that fireman role, working through the difficult sections after the starter has left.

Keuchel would also give Houston a known commodity for the rotation moving forward. He is a steady veteran presence, one that has been through the playoff battles before. While the Astros current rotation has plenty of experience in that setting, they will need to find multiple arms next year. Whether or not those arms come through free agency or the Astros farm system, Keuchel would still be a valuable addition.

The Houston Astros are keeping in touch with Dallas Keuchel. Even though they are still looking to bring him back on a short term deal, a long term contract could benefit both sides.