White Sox Reportedly Sign Free Agent Pitcher Dallas Keuchel
By Mark Powell
The Chicago White Sox journey from rebuilding ball-club to potential AL Central contender has been a rather short trip. While we may rightfully question if they've skipped a few steps, the ChiSox continue to make surprising moves right under our noses.
Former Astros and Braves left-handed pitcher Dallas Keuchel has signed in the South Side of Chicago, providing even more proof that Kenny Williams' vision is being realized, whether the rest of baseball is ready or not.
BREAKING: Left-hander Dallas Keuchel and the Chicago White Sox are in agreement on a deal, sources tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 22, 2019
Keuchel will be paired with new catcher Yasmani Grandal, who the Sox also signed to a lucrative deal this very offseason. In an abbreviated season with the Braves last year, Keuchel notched respectable numbers, including an 8-8 record and 3.75 ERA.
Even if Dallas Keuchel isn’t what he once was, he’s the exact sort of innings eater the White Sox needed. Lucas Giolito could take the leap this year, Dylan Cease has frontline potential, Michael Kopech is back from TJ and Reynaldo Lopez is a suitable back-end guy. That’ll play.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 22, 2019
Keuchel is instantly slotted in near the front of the White Sox rotation, which features promising starters Lucas Giolito and Michael Kopech (should he return from Tommy John this year).
The 31-year-old, while inarguably not as efficient as he once was in Houston, is the exact sort of player Chicago would like Kopech and Giolito to replicate, specifically as it pertains to his worth ethic.
The White Sox are willing to spend for a player of Keuchel's consistency, and then some.