One day after the Chicago White Sox signed Gio Gonzalez, they agreed to terms on a contract with former Cy Young Award winner Dallas Keuchel.
The deal is worth $55.5 million over three years, with a vesting option for a fourth year.
Just a few days ago, White Sox fans were beginning to wonder if the team was going to make any moves. Even more so as the big names started to fall off the board.
The 31-year-old lefty is coming off an abbreviated season with the Atlanta Braves, finishing with a record of 8-8 with a 3.75 ERA in 19 starts. He was at his best down the stretch, where he went 6-1 with a 2.66 ERA in seven starts between August and September.
Keuchel, along with Craig Kimbrel, sat on the free-agent market until mid-June. His market value was limited because he received a qualifying offer, making it so that whoever signed him would have to forfeit a draft pick.
They couldn’t sign until the qualifying offer penalty expired after the MLB Draft.
Many believe Keuchel’s best innings are behind him, but he still proved enough to be considered a valuable contributor to a White Sox team looking to win now. Keuchel’s veteran leadership and postseason experience are a couple more pluses for Chicago.
Christmas has indeed come early for fans of the ballclub from the Southside of Chicago.
