Three MLB free agents that need a strong September

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - AUGUST 21: Nicholas Castellanos #6 of the Chicago Cubs hits a home run in the first inning against the San Francisco Giants at Wrigley Field on August 21, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - AUGUST 21: Nicholas Castellanos #6 of the Chicago Cubs hits a home run in the first inning against the San Francisco Giants at Wrigley Field on August 21, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
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2020 MLB Free Agents
(Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images)

2020 MLB Free Agents

Dallas Keuchel, SP, ATL Braves

Dallas Keuchel was seeking a lucrative, multi-year deal last offseason, before signing with the Atlanta Braves to a one-year, $13.2 million contract in June. Through 14 starts, Keuchel is 6—5 with a 3.72 ERA.

His performance has been satisfactory, but not good enough to give a 32-year old pitcher a huge deal. He needs to utilize his last few starts and work on bringing his ERA closer to 3.5.

Since he spent 2012 to 2018 with the Houston Astros, he is an experienced postseason pitcher. The 2015 Cy Young award winner needs to be the ace he has shown he can be during the postseason.

The Atlanta Braves are powered by electric bats like Ronald Acuna Jr. and Freddie Freeman. Julio Tehran has been a consistent starter for the Braves for the year, and they have solid young pitchers in Mike Soroka and Max Fried.

Keuchel needs to have a strong September, but more importantly, he needs to be lights-out for the Braves in October. He is one of their most crucial components if they want to make a World Series run.

Finishing strong will improve his market value and give him a better chance at landing a multi-year deal than free agency.