Houston Astros Rumors: Possible landing spots for free agent class
Dallas Keuchel
Position: Starting LHP
2018 Salary: $13.2 million
Seeking Estimate: $20-$25 million/year
Possible Landing Spots: Yankees, Nationals
As reported earlier, Keuchel rejected the qualifying offer that the Houston Astros extended to him. This would have kept the lefty around for another year at a clip of $17.9 million. Alas, the beard and his agent decided he was worth more, and he has now officially departed with the rest of this free agent class to test out the open market.
Interestingly, Keuchel was the only eligible free agent to be extended a QO. The other 5 players eligible were not. More to come on them in a little bit.
Related Story. Three reasons why Keuchel should be brought back. light
Admittedly, Keuchel has not returned to his Cy Young 2016 form yet. Despite this, he is still a formidable left-handed starter that many teams will covet. Namely, the New York Yankees, but also a team like the Washington Nationals. Both are in need of some southpaws in their starting rotations.
Regardless, Keuchel wants his money. And likely, he’s gonna get it from a team that has the means to do it. The Astros won’t be out of the mix entirely. But recent rumors of them pursuing James Paxton from the Seattle Mariners is likely an insurance move to fill the likely void Keuchel will leave behind.
Wherever the beard goes, he’s gonna make some waves for sure.