Astros, Angels, or Yankees? Odds on Where Dallas Keuchel Pitches in 2019
By Chris Amberley in MLB Baseball
Updated: March 24, 2020 at 11:48 am EDTPublished:
- Dallas Keuchel is one of baseball’s most coveted free agents
- Can the Astros afford to pay him?
- Which contenders are looking for pitching?
Dallas Keuchel is on the verge of a huge payday. The 2015 Cy Young Award winner is one of baseball’s most coveted free agents, and according to the odds, his days in Houston could be numbered. Both the Angels and Yankees have the same odds as the Astros to sign Keuchel this off-season.
Odds on Where Dallas Keuchel Will Play in 2019
| Where Will Dallas Keuchel Play in 2019? | Odds |
|---|---|
| Houston Astros | +230 |
| Los Angeles Angels | +230 |
| New York Yankees | +230 |
| Los Angeles Dodgers | +650 |
| Philadelphia Phillies | +650 |
| San Francisco Giants | +650 |
Houston, We Have a Problem
Keuchel’s resume suggests he’s worth a long term contract that exceeds $20 million a season, similar to the deals Jake Arrieta and Yu Darvish signed last offseason. Houston, however, doesn’t appear ready to make that kind of commitment.
Astros are planning to extend the $17.9M qualifying offer to Dallas Keuchel. They are planning not to extend it to Marwin Gonzalez. No word yet on Charlie Morton, who may be a close call.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) October 29, 2018
The Astros can afford the hefty price tag, but are more likely to spend big in the future on cornerstone players like Carlos Correa, George Springer, and Alex Bregman.
Bronx Bound?
The Yankees only have two starting pitchers penciled in for 2019. They badly need an ace and a marriage to Keuchel makes sense.
58 Seconds with Dallas Keuchel’s Movement & Command (one game). pic.twitter.com/UcExswMckx
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) February 6, 2018
Patrick Corbin is reportedly at the top of New York’s wish list, but he lacks the post-season pedigree of Keuchel, and owns a worse career winning percentage, ERA and WHIP. The Yankees need is glaring and it wouldn’t come as a shock if they signed one or both.
The Angels are the Answer
The Angels pitching staff has been decimated by injuries and is missing a number one starter. Given his history against LA, they should be eager to get Keuchel on their side.
I want to thank the Astros for changing their centerfield camera view, allowing us to see the sweet movement on this Dallas Keuchel Fastball pic.twitter.com/bFNvaMnnbu
— Pitcher List (@PitcherList) April 20, 2017
Keuchel owns a lifetime 12-2 record against the Angels, and his high ground ball rate suits an LA defense that finished third in fielding percentage in 2018. If you’re contemplating a bet on Keuchel’s future, look no further than the Angels.
Sports Writer
As SBD's resident Swiss Army Knife, Chris covers virtually every sport including NFL, PGA, NBA, MLB, NCAAB, NCAAF and the Olympics. A true grinder, he'd rather pick off small edges in the player props market than swing for the fences with a 5-leg parlay.
