In an offseason that doesn’t seem to have many big name pitchers in it, it is no surprise that Dallas Keuchel will be the pitcher that receives the most attention from teams looking for a quality starting pitcher. Keuchel had a rather down year last season. Nonetheless, the two-time All-Star still managed to have a winning record. He picked up 12 wins and surrendered 11 losses. He had a 3.74 ERA. The former Cy Young Award winner could sign a huge contract this offseason, as many playoff contenders will need to look for a quality starting pitcher. Here are the top six teams that could potentially sign Keuchel this offseason.
New York Yankees
The Yankees will look to make another postseason run next year. To do so they will need a pitcher that can go through the Boston Red Sox’s lineup, as they gave up 27 runs to the Sox in the 2018 ALDS. The Yankees just resigned CC Sabathia, having a pitcher with some postseason experience such as Keuchel will help them. The only downside if he joins the Yankees is that he will have to shave that magnificent beard off. The Yankees will make no facial hair exceptions for him.
Atlanta Braves
The Braves are coming off a season that included a berth in the playoffs. It was their first time playing in October since 2013. They are a young and upcoming team that could make a serious title postseason run next year. If they could sign Keuchel, it would be a great addition to their pitching staff. Not to mention he could be used as a mentor for the younger guys, like Mike Soroka and Sean Newcomb. The Braves’ goal would probably be trying to find someone to spark up their offense once postseason comes around. The Braves only scored eight runs in four games against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLDS last season. If they can sign the former Astro, the Braves could have a serious chance at making it into the World Series next year.
Philadephia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies have shown that they will not shy away from paying big money for big name pitchers. They proved that by signing Jake Arrieta to a 75 million dollar contract last season. The Phillies were a surprise team last season, and had strides of success throughout the year. They won 80 games in 2018, a fourteen win improvement over 2017. They were just a win away from having a winning record. Arrieta and Keuchel would make and excellent one-two punch that could lead the Phillies to their first playoff berth since 2011.
San Francisco Giants
The Giants need a brand new face for their franchise. Dallas Keuchel could be that guy. Fans love nothing more than watching a pitching ace do work on the mound. You get just that with Keuchel. Bringing in a former Cy Young Award winner could turn the tide for the Giants. They had a less than stellar season last year. San Francisco finishing fourth in the NL West with a 73-89 record. The Giants brought in Evan Longoria last season. His season was cut short as he broke his hand back in June. Longoria batted just .242 for the season. The Giants are in bad need of returning to the postseason. Playing in a competitive NL West that includes the defending National League Champion Los Angeles Dodgers, Colorado Rockies, and Arizona Diamondbacks does not help their playoffs hopes. It’ll be tough, but adding Keuchel could be the first step in a return to success for the Giants.
Milwaukee Brewers
The Brewers fell just short of a fairytale ending last season. Milwaukee lost to the Dodgers in the National League Championship Series this past postseason. The Brewers have plenty of explosiveness on offense. The likely NL MVP Christian Yelich is still on their roster alongside a ton of young talent. Nonetheless, Milwaukee does not have a household name in their pitching rotation. Signing Keuchel would definitely change that. If the Brewers are looking to stay in the hunt for the World Series, they will need to find a guy with postseason experience. Adding Keuchel would be terrific move. He could very well be the right piece to the puzzle for the Brewers.
Houston Astros
The team with the best shot to land Keuchel is the franchise that he has played for since he got drafted: the Astros. There is no doubt that Houston would love to bring Keuchel back for his eighth season with the team. He has made two All Star appearances and won the prestigious Cy Young award. Keuchel also got his first ever World Series title with this team. He has built chemistry with the pitching rotation in Houston, and is an all around lovable guy within the franchise. However, the Astros could potentially look to put that money towards a big name hitter, such as Bryce Harper or Manny Machado. This could be the case as they struggled offensively against Boston during the postseason. The Astros could not score all that many runs during their ALCS losing effort. With star pitcher Lance McCullers out for the season with Tommy John Surgery, Houston needs Keuchel more than ever to keep their World Series hopes alive.
A Matter Of Choice
One thing is for certain, and it is that Keuchel has the ability to turn a team into World Series champions. It is just a matter of which team the ace chooses.