2019 MLB Season: Finding the Teams ‘In Discussion’ for Dallas Keuchel
Atlanta Braves
In quite a short span, the Atlanta Braves transformed themselves into one of the best teams in baseball. Featuring a good mix of veterans and young talent, the Braves won 90 games in 2018, propelling them to their first postseason appearance since 2013.
The Braves success was due in part to their pitching staff. Featuring ace Mike Foltynewicz (aka “Folty) and starter Kevin Gausman, who was acquired from the Baltimore Orioles at the deadline last season, the team looked to compete with newly built super-teams like the Philadelphia Phillies and the New York Mets.
Unfortunately, the Braves suffered three losses to their pitching staff during Spring Training. “Folty” went down with a right elbow bone spur, Gausman with right elbow tendinitis, and reliever A.J. Minter with left shoulder inflammation.
While the team has received some good news regarding all three pitchers this week, they could use a security blanket should these issues arise again. That blanket could come in the form of course of Dallas Keuchel.
SunTrust is notoriously known as a pitcher-friendly ballpark. Ranking 3rd to last in HRs last season, according to ESPN’s “MLB Ball Park Factors”, the Braves organization might benefit from Keuchel’s ability to induce grounders.
Also with an elite infield that features the likes of Josh Donaldson, Dansby Swanson, Ozzie Albies, and Freddie Freeman (3rd to 1st), many of Keuchel’s grounders should be converted to outs.
What’s more, with a current salary of approximately $114M, the 10th lowest in baseball, the Braves have plenty of money to offer Dallas Keuchel while still retaining the flexibility to go out and add other pieces if needed.
Then there’s the…
Los Angeles Dodgers
Like the Braves, when it comes to pitching the Los Angeles Dodgers have been suffering from a case of what we Dominicans call “Fukú,” a curse.
After receiving an extension from the Dodgers, perhaps the greatest pitcher in a generation, Clayton Kershaw was shut down and later placed on the 10-day Injured List (IL) after suffering from left shoulder inflammation. Postseason hero Walker Buehler also dealt with shoulder issues this Spring. He, however, started in today’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Finally, there’s Rich Hill who has found a second career with the Dodgers. Hill isn’t expected to make a start for Los Angeles until the end of April due to a left knee sprain.
The Dodgers are in a precarious situation. With Kershaw seemingly unable to pitch a full season, the window to get the lefty a World Series ring may soon start to close.
In two consecutive tries, the Dodgers have lost in the World Series. First to the Houston Astros in 2017 and then to the Boston Red Sox in 2018. If L.A. wants to have another go at it, they’ll need to remedy their pitching woes by adding a pitcher from free agency.
That guy might just have to be… you guessed it… Dallas Keuchel.
The Dodgers don’t have the flexibility that the Braves have. In fact, L.A. has the fourth largest payroll in baseball at just under $200M. Also, unlike the Braves, the Ball Park Factors don’t favor the Dodgers either.
Notoriously known as a hitter-friendly ballpark, Keuchel might provide the Dodgers with an attribute that many of their pitchers lack. You’ve heard it before, you’ll hear it again: the ability to induce grounders.
Dallas Keuchel not only ranks 1st in GB%, but he also allows very few HRs too. In fact, he ranked 9th in MLB in HR/9 (0.79) in 2018, which should attract the Dodgers.
If they sleep at the wheel, then this team should consider a reunion…
Houston Astros
The Houston Astros don’t need help with pitching. They’ve revitalized Justin Verlander‘s career, turned Gerrit Cole into a surefire ace in MLB, and feature the best farm system for pitchers in the game.
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In fact, the minor league system for Astros pitchers has been so good that in 2018 they led in all minor league levels in strikeouts. They also led all minor league levels, except AAA, in ERA. Their AAA affiliate, the Fresno Grizzlies placed 6th in ERA this season.
You can’t, however, put all your eggs in the minors. Many of those pitchers are too young and won’t be ready for big league action for a least a few years.
Also, with Charlie Morton opting to sign with the Tampa Bay Rays this offseason and Lance McCullers Jr. undergoing Tommy John Surgery, the Astros need some security in their rotation.
Who better than Dallas Keuchel… someone familiar with the organization? Someone who has spent his entire career in Houston and helped them obtain the team’s first World Series championship ever in 2017?
The Astros are over $40M under the luxury tax threshold in 2019 with the payroll currently on pace to drop next season. So, they have the money and they have the space for the veteran lefty.
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Why not bring him back?