Call to the pen
Fansided

2019 MLB Season: Finding the Teams ‘In Discussion’ for Dallas Keuchel

By Manny Gómez

HOUSTON, TX - OCTOBER 16: Dallas Keuchel #60 of the Houston Astros pitches in the first inning during Game 3 of the ALCS against the Boston Red Sox at Minute Maid Park on Tuesday, October 16, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Loren Elliott/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - OCTOBER 16: Dallas Keuchel #60 of the Houston Astros pitches in the first inning during Game 3 of the ALCS against the Boston Red Sox at Minute Maid Park on Tuesday, October 16, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Loren Elliott/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
Atlanta Braves
(Photo by Todd Kirkland/Icon SMI/Corbis via Getty Images) /

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…

Home/Atlanta Braves