Are the Brewers a match for Dallas Keuchel for 2020?

The Milwaukee Brewers were linked to Dallas Keuchel at various points during last year’s off season. Keuchel is a free agent again, but is he a fit for Milwaukee in 2020?

Last year’s rumor mill had the Brewers and Dallas Keuchel as a potential match. The Brewers needed a starting pitcher for the top of their rotation and Keuchel has a Cy Young award on his resume. Keuchel ended up unemployed until June 7th when he signed with the Atlanta Braves for about $13 million. He’s back on the market after a solid half season for the Braves. Should the Brewers and Keuchel finally connect?

How did Keuchel perform in 2019?

Keuchel went 8-8 with a 3.75 ERA in 19 starts. He struck out 91, walked 39, and was tagged for 16 homers in 112 2/3 innings of work. He was a solid above average innings eater who averaged over six innings per start.

He averaged 88.4 MPH on his fastball which was down slightly compared to his 89.1 MPH career average. None of his other pitchers showed a significant drop in velocity, and the missing velocity on his heater is likely due to his long lay off.

What will it take to sign Keuchel?

It’s no secret that Keuchel would like a multi-year deal with an average annual value in the $13 million-to-$18 million range.

MLBTradeRumors.com has Keuchel signing with the Chicago White Sox on a three-year deal worth $39 million. FanGraphs has Keuchel signing for $45 million over three years.

2020 will be Keuchel’s age-32 season. A three-year contract would take Keuchel through his age-34 season.

How would Keuchel fit into the Brewers?

Keuchel would slot into the Milwaukee Brewers rotation either behind or in front of Brandon Woodruff.

The Brewers had exactly one starting pitcher who made 31 starts, and that was Zach Davies. Davies also lead the team in innings pitched with 159 2/3. Keuchel has the ability to work through the sixth inning more often than not, and can still keep hitters off-balance with his unique repertoire.

He would also give the Brewers a left-handed starter near the top of their rotation. The only lefties to start games for the Brewers in 2019 were Gio Gonzalez and Drew Pomeranz. The Brewers need a capable, above average starter who can gobble up innings and take the pressure off the bullpen. Keuchel checks a lot of boxes for the Milwaukee rotation.

If three years and an AAV of $15 million or less is all it takes to sign Keuchel, the team needs to add him to the roster. The Brewers appear to have enough in the budget to add Keuchel and bring back at least one of Yasmani Grandal or Mike Moustakas without stretching too much. The team needs starting pitching, and they get a second chance at connecting with Keuchel. They should try to make it work this time around.