Call to the pen
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MLB Players that can boost their free agency stock most

By CJ Luther

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 4: Washington Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg (37) heads for the dugout after finishing an inning during a game between the Washington Nationals and the Los Angeles Dodgers in game 2 of the National League Division Series at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, CA on October 4, 2019 . (Photo by John McDonnell/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 4: Washington Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg (37) heads for the dugout after finishing an inning during a game between the Washington Nationals and the Los Angeles Dodgers in game 2 of the National League Division Series at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, CA on October 4, 2019 . (Photo by John McDonnell/The Washington Post via Getty Images) /
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MLB Players That Can Boost Their Free Agency Stock Most

Dallas Keuchel, LHP

Yet another veteran leader joining the Braves on a one-year deal, left-handed pitcher Dallas Keuchel perhaps made an even larger gamble on himself than his teammate, Josh Donaldson.

Keuchel remained a free agent until June, where he ultimately signed a one-year, $13MM, with the Braves. The 2015 AL Cy Young winner has enjoyed a fine year since joining the team, showing teams that he still has gas left in the tank.

In 2019, Keuchel sported a 3.75 ERA, 4.72 FIP, and 4.06 xFIP, pitching as effective as the underlying metrics would suggest. He stayed true to what’s made him successful in the past, inducing groundballs while relying heavily on pitch mix and movement. Keuchel keeps hitters uncomfortable and off-balance, as displayed by his 71.6% outside-the-zone swing rate.

Keuchel was called upon to start in Game 1 of the NLDS against the St. Louis Cardinals and pitched well. The 31-year old went four and two-thirds innings, giving up one run on five hits. He did walk three batters and failed to record a strikeout, but Keuchel’s game is based on contact rather than strikeouts and walks.

While the Braves ultimately lost Game 1 7-6, Keuchel left the game with the score knotted at one. While he may not be as dominant as he was a few years ago, if he continues to give the Braves a chance to win in each of his starts, Keuchel likely won’t have to wait until June to find a deal to his liking this time around.

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