American League Cy Young Award winner Dallas Keuchel avoided arbitration with the Houston Astros by reportedly agreeing to a one-year, $7.25 million contract on Friday.
The financial amount is the highest ever garnered by a first-time arbitration-eligible starting pitcher. David Price and Dontrelle Willis shared the previous high of $4.35 million.
Keuchel went 20-8 with a 2.48 ERA and 216 strikeouts last season while helping Houston make the playoffs. He also made the All-Star team for the first time in his career.
Keuchel, 27, made $524,500 last season.
Houston also agreed to one-year deals with third baseman Luis Valbuena ($6.125 million), shortstop Marwin Gonzalez ($2 million) and right-hander Josh Fields ($900,000).