Astros' Keuchel has 'absolutely' thought about impending raise, possible extension
Few pitchers have had as monumental a rise over the past two seasons as Houston Astros lefty Dallas Keuchel. The bearded ace was named the 2015 American League Cy Young award winner after going 20-8 with a 2.48 ERA this past season for the 'Stros and leading them into the postseason for the first time since 2005. Along the way, he also went undefeated at Minute Maid Park for the entire year.
Timing-wise, his emergence couldn't have come at a better period in his career. At 27 and with three years of MLB service time under his belt, Keuchel is now eligible for arbitration for the first time - and what better bargaining chip could possibly exist than a standout year as one of the game's most promising pitchers?
Evan Drellich of the Houston Chronicle caught up with Keuchel and asked if he's looking forward to the inevitable payday in his not-too-distant future:
“Absolutely,” Keuchel said when asked if he’s thought of the life-changing money that awaits. “Going from minor league salary to a big league minimum is a huge jump, and (it also is) when you increase your salary to big league minimum and arbitration and past that.
“Steps and chapters in your life and the course of your career in baseball. I think it’s going to help me appreciate the game a little bit more. Because in this game, you’ve put in your time to get where you want to go. You get rewarded, little baby steps. I think it’s going to make me appreciate of what I’ve done and what I want to do.”
As expected, Keuchel and the Astros could also gravitate toward a long-term extension, something GM Jeff Luhnow admitted to Drellich:
“When we’re talking about players entering arbitration, it’s natural that process will lead to some discussion of either doing a multi-year (deal) to buy out the arbitration or years or potential free agent years,” general manager Jeff Luhnow said. “It becomes more challenging with a high profile Cy Young award winning type of player. But doesn’t mean there won’t be discussions, but there may not be a deal. But certainly from our standpoint, we believe it’s worth having a discussion about it.”
As for Keuchel's interest level in negotiating a long-term deal to stay in Houston, he did offer up this (somewhat coy) response:
“I want to buy a house, if I’m here for a while,” Keuchel said. “So I can feel at home.
“It’s got to be a fair deal, whether it’s this offseason next offseason or any time before agency,” Keuchel said. “As long as we get something done I’d enjoy that. … I’m sure (talks will come) up at some point and it just depends on how far apart we are.”
With the Astros' window of opportunity presumably open for at least the next few seasons, how they proceed with Keuchel will be intriguing to watch.
