Keuchel, Astros won't work on long-term extension this offseason
Lefty and reigning AL Cy Young winner Dallas Keuchel is in an intriguing position. Coming off a breakout season that saw him go undefeated at his home ballpark (15-0 at Minute Maid Park) and guide the upstart Astros to their first postseason appearance since 2005, he's eligible for arbitration for the first time.
However, even though a long-term contract designed to help the club avoid his arbitration years while rewarding him for his early success was mentioned earlier this winter, it doesn't appear to be happening...at least not yet.
On Sunday, Keuchel's agent Darek Braunecker appeared on MLB Network Radio and said the following regarding his discussions with his client and the Astros thus far this offseason:
Darek Braunecker, agent for AL Cy Young winner Dallas Keuchel on #FrontOffice pic.twitter.com/Nyx6ALiBvo
— MLB Network Radio (@MLBNetworkRadio) January 3, 2016
Keuchel, now 28 after his New Year's Day birthday, is eligible for arbitration for the next three seasons and would hit free agency after 2018 if an agreement on a long-term contract that satisfies both parties isn't reached.
