The Chicago White Sox made a huge move on Saturday to upgrade their rotation, reportedly reaching agreement on a three-year deal with free-agent pitcher Dallas Keuchel.
The agreement, first reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan, brings the talented southpaw to Chicago to join a team with playoff aspirations for the 2020 season. According to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, the three-year deal is worth $55.5 million and carries a vesting option.
Keuchel cashes in after a productive 2019 season with the Atlanta Braves. The 31-year-old recorded a 3.75 ERA with a 1.37 WHIP across 112.2 innings. A two-time All-Star and the AL Cy Young Award recipient in 2015, Keuchel will bring extensive postseason experience as a front-line starter for the White Sox.
After seeing his market evaporate early last offseason due to the qualifying offer, Keuchel didn’t sign until June following the 2019 MLB Draft. He impressed, especially since he missed spring training and the start of the season, and drew significant interest this winter from contenders.
He’ll get the opportunity to work with Yasmani Grandal, who signed a four-year contract in November, and take advantage of one of the best pitch-framing catchers in baseball.