Keuchel not engaged in extension talks with Astros

The Houston Astros made leaps and bounds in 2015 thanks to Dallas Keuchel's breakout campaign, but don't expect the southpaw to ink a long-term extension with the club anytime soon.

Keuchel's agent, Darek Braunecker, took to the airwaves Sunday to discuss his client's contract situation, and although there's mutual interest in an extension, nothing appears imminent.

"At this point, we have not engaged the club in any sort of long-term discussions," Braunecker said on MLB Network Radio. "It's common knowledge that we had some discussion during the season last year and it was just preliminary seeing where one another stood. They approached us, just kicked the tires, and get a sense where both parties were at the time."

Keuchel, whose $524,500 salary was one of the best value deals in the majors last season, is first-year arbitration eligible and won't become a free agent until 2019. With three years of control over Keuchel, there's no pressure on Houston's front office to strike a deal this winter.

"When we're talking about players entering arbitration, it's natural that process will lead to some discussion of either doing a multi-year (deal) to buy out the arbitration years or potential free agent years," Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow said in November. "It becomes more challenging with a high-profile, Cy Young Award-winning type of player. But doesn't mean there won't be discussions, but there may not be a deal. But certainly from our standpoint, we believe it's worth having a discussion about."

Keuchel, who is projected to earn $6.4 million in 2016 through arbitration, led the American League in wins (20), WHIP (1.02), and innings pitched (232) to claim Cy Young honors last year. The 28-year-old compiled an incredible 15-0 record with a microscopic 1.46 ERA in 18 starts at Minute Maid Park, which is known as a hitter-friendly ballpark.