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The prior week in MLB was about a starting pitcher signing a deal with a team in the American League, a pitcher has completed rehab from Tommy John surgery, and a player has decided to retire.
Chicago White Sox Sign Starting Pitcher Dallas Keuchel to Three-Year Deal
The Chicago White Sox have made another significant move this offseason as they’ve signed starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel, per Jeff Passan of ESPN.
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
The deal is for three years, and it’s worth $55.5 million with a vesting fourth-year option that can increase the contract to $74 million, per Jon Heyman of MLB Network.
Keuchel to White Sox. 3/$55.5 with a vesting 4th year that could take to 4/$74.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 22, 2019
The signing of Keuchel was a smart move by the White Sox, who are making moves to contend next season.
Keuchel was solid with the Atlanta Braves last year as he posted a 3.75 ERA in 112 2/3 innings pitched (19 starts) with 91 strikeouts, 39 walks issued, 16 home runs surrendered, and a 121 ERA+.
The left-hander is a former Cy Young winner and can give the White Sox quality innings.
He can also provide a veteran presence on the pitching staff as the White Sox have several young pitchers on the team.
The White Sox are trying to put themselves in a position to contend next season for a playoff spot.
In addition to Keuchel, they have signed catcher Yasmani Grandal to a four-year deal, re-signed first baseman Jose Abreu, acquired outfielder Nomar Mazara in a trade, and signed pitcher Gio Gonzalez.
Los Angeles Angels Two-Way Player Shohei Ohtani Complete Tommy John Rehab
Los Angeles Angels two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani has completed his throwing program, which was the last step in his rehab from Tommy John surgery, per Alden Gonzalez of ESPN.
Ohtani has been cleared to return to Japan for rest and is expected to resume his role as a two-way player for the Angels in 2020, per Gonzalez.
The team hasn’t announced its plans for Ohtani for the 2020 season.
Ohtani is expected to start once a week as opposed to every fifth day and will probably be on an innings limit, says Gonzalez.
The idea of the Angels being extremely cautious is logical as Ohtani is recovering from Tommy John surgery, and you want to take any unnecessary risks.
Ohtani is very valuable to the Angels as a pitcher and a hitter as well.
The Angels need Ohtani healthy next year to have a chance of contending for a playoff spot.
Ian Kinsler Decides to Retire After 14 Seasons
San Diego Padres second baseman Ian Kinsler has decided to retire from playing baseball, as he told Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.
Ian Kinsler: “I gave it everything I had.” https://t.co/0N5kqluclu
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 20, 2019
Kinsler will remain with the Padres in the front office and will work out a financial settlement with the team, considering he is still owed $4.25 million on his contract, per Rosenthal.
He had a herniated cervical disk, and this was the reason why he decided to end his career.
Kinsler played in 14 seasons with the Padres, Texas Rangers, Detroit Tigers, Los Angeles Angels, and Boston Red Sox.
Congrats to Ian Kinsler on a wonderful playing career, including his eight years here in Texas.
Enjoy retirement, Kins! pic.twitter.com/GviInvakmN
— Texas Rangers (@Rangers) December 20, 2019
He compiled a .269 batting average and .777 OPS in his career with 1,999 hits, 416 doubles, 41 triples, 257 home runs, 909 RBIs, and 243 stolen bases.
He also won two Gold Gloves and was a member of the Red Sox when they won the World Series in 2018.
Kinsler joins Hall of Famer and Boston Beaneaters legend Jimmy Collins as the only players in history to finish precisely one hit shy of 2,000, per AJ Cassavell of MLB.com.
Ian Kinsler joins Hall of Famer and Boston Beaneaters legend Jimmy Collins (1895-1908) as the only players in history to finish precisely one hit shy of 2,000.
— AJ Cassavell (@AJCassavell) December 20, 2019
Author Profile
- Chris is a New Jersey native whose favorite sports team is the Arizona Diamondbacks. He previously attended Western New England College to study Sports Management. Chris has been following the Diamondbacks since he was 12. You can find him on Twitter at @aecanada12.
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