District On Deck
FanSided

Washington Nationals: Six free agent starting pitchers to pursue

By Blake Finney

WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 20: Starting pitcher Max Scherzer #31 of the Washington Nationals talks the mound for the start of the ninth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Nationals Park on June 20, 2015 in Washington, DC. Scherzer threw a no hitter during the Nationals 6-0 win. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 20: Starting pitcher Max Scherzer #31 of the Washington Nationals talks the mound for the start of the ninth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Nationals Park on June 20, 2015 in Washington, DC. Scherzer threw a no hitter during the Nationals 6-0 win. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 7
Next
Washington Nationals Dallas Keuchel
HOUSTON, TX – OCTOBER 16: Dallas Keuchel #60 of the Houston Astros reacts in the third inning as a play is reviewed against the Boston Red Sox during Game Three of the American League Championship Series at Minute Maid Park on October 16, 2018, in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

Dallas Keuchel

Well, it was only a matter of time before we found a Scott Boras client on this list. But Dallas Keuchel could be a great fit for the Washington Nationals this winter.

Keuchel was one of the first building blocks to come through the Astros system as they rebuilt their way to a World Series title in 2017. After a rough first few seasons with the team in the doldrums, he was able to flourish in the build-up to his free agency.

In his last five seasons in Houston, Keuchel compiled a 67-45 record with a 3.28 ERA, 3.45 FIP as well as the prestigious 2014 AL Cy Young Award. He has the resume that deserves a huge deal and is almost certain to get one, as the Astros try to get some of their younger arms into the rotation.

Just like Corbin, he would be a high-priced left-hander that could help fill the void of Gio Gonzalez in the rotation. He would be a perfect compliment to the Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg combo at the top of the rotation, and if the latter suffers another injury, the team would be more than comfortable with Keuchel as the number two.

In the predictions from MLBTradeRumors, they actually have Dallas Keuchel signing a four-year, $82 million deal with the Nationals. The $20.5 million annual average can be a little scary here, but given the relatively short-term deal for one of the markets top starters, it’s could definitely be worthwhile.

Of the names listed in this piece, Dallas Keuchel is probably the most likely to actually sign with the Nationals. We can only wait and see how free agency will play out in that regard though.

Home/Nationals Rumors