Houston Astros: Valuing A Long-Term Deal For Keuchel

The Houston Astros are proving they have what it takes to make it to the big show.

Although there have been some bumps along the road, this team has demonstrated that they have the confidence to go out and beat anybody that they’re about to compete with.

I mean, come on, it’s almost September and we’re in the middle of a race for the pennant!

That’s quite a stark contrast as opposed to past seasons where getting a win was at a premium.

It’s now to be expected the Houston Astros to go out and win every game that they’re involved in because the script has certainly been flipped.

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And for good reason as well…

But as success comes with any sports franchise, the most important factor — M-O-N-E-Y — comes to the forefront for the Astros.

It affects revenues and it also has an effect on how much to spend to keep the team competitive.

The Houston Astros have evolved to a point to where they’re serious about doing considerable to keep this gem of a team competitive and not lose key pieces to free agency.

So who do the Houston Astros have the sights set on to target first?

None other than our All-Star ace in Dallas Keuchel.

Keuchel has had THE most impressive campaign of his career and he’s proving that he’s worth the big payday that he deserves.

He is eligible for arbitration for the first time going into this winter but according to the Houston Chronicle’s Evan Drellich, the Astros are already in talks with Keuchel and his agent Darek Braunecker of the well-respected Frontline Athlete Management sports agency firm.

He and his partner Mark Rodgers have amassed a plethora of top-shelf clients such as A.J. Burnett, Cliff Lee and Jeff Samardzija.

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, who recently signed a four-year, $87.6 million contract extension with a $61.5 million guarantee — the most money ever affirmed for an NFL free agent — is also represented by the firm.

Keuchel’s group are heavy-hitters and they will ensure that they get a deal that’s in the best interest of the AL Cy Young Award candidate.

Keuchel has indicated that he remains committed to the Houston Astros but is looking for a fair deal for his hard work.

Here’s what he had to say:

"“[Houston] is all I’ve known, and it’s where I want to be. I know we’re in a great position for the next probably five, 10 years… it’s all about winning. Me personally, it’s not about the dollar amount. … With that being said, it’s got to be something that’s fair and that’s right for both parties. I’m not trying to break the bank. I’m just out here to have fun and pitch and do the best I can.”"

Those are very strong words coming from the Bearded Miracle but my biggest takeaway from that quote is that he’s not taking a steep discount to stay but yet wants to rewarded for the high-level of play that he’s emanated over time.

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To avoid the sometimes nasty intricacies of MLB arbitration, it’s best that a player tries to land an extension during those years to maximize their pay during those last valuable years under team control.

Keuchel is under the Houston Astros’ control until 2018.

So just what Kuechel could command as far as an extension?

Drellich indicates that his counterparts in Wade Miley ($19.25 million) and Lance Lynn ($22 million) — who also had three arb-years left and similar service time — signed their respective deals to nix their arbitration.

But according to Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors, it’s expected that Kuechel could command much more with his lofty level of production.

Houston Astros: Valuing A Long-Term Deal For Dallas Keuchel

By Brian K. Patterson | Aug 26, 2015

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