Astros, Keuchel avoid arbitration with record-setting deal
Dallas Keuchel's Cy Young campaign earned him a hefty raise Friday when the southpaw and the Houston Astros agreed to a one-year deal worth $7.25 million, a source told the Houston Chronicle's Evan Drellich.
Keuchel's settlement is a record for first-time arbitration-eligible pitchers, reports Jon Heyman of MLB Network. Heyman writes Tim Lincecum, Clayton Kershaw and Craig Kimbrel have received more money in the past, but on multi-year deals.
In his first year of arbitration eligibility, Keuchel's salary increased by close to $7 million after the best season of his young career.
The 28-year-old bested David Price for the American League Cy Young after posting a 20-8 record with a 2.48 ERA and a league-leading 1.02 WHIP across 232 innings of work, also winning a Gold Glove.
Keuchel, who was unbeatable at home, helped lead the Astros to their first playoff appearance since 2005.
MLB Trade Rumors projected the Tulsa, Okla., native would earn $6.4 million.
Houston also reportedly agreed to deals with slugging first baseman Luis Valbuena and infielder Marwin Gonzalez on Friday.