Aside from having a stacked rotation, there’s an additional benefit from the Astros’ recent trade for Gerrit Cole. He’ll provide insurance in the event Dallas Keuchel leaves as a free agent after the 2018 season.
Here’s my bold (or not-so-bold) prediction: Keuchel will indeed be playing for another team in 2019.
This is nothing against Keuchel as a player or an individual. He’s been excellent over the past few years and is one of the main reasons why the Astros have enjoyed so much success. As a fan, I have no desire to see him leave.