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Dallas Keuchel, Diamondbacks Reportedly Agree to Minor League Contract
June 6, 2022
After being designated for assignment by the Chicago White Sox last week, veteran pitcher Dallas Keuchel has reportedly found a new club.
According to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal, Keuchel has agreed to a minor league deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks. The 34-year-old left-hander will report to Triple-A.
Through eight starts with the White Sox in 2022, Keuchel posted a 2-5 record with a 7.88 ERA. He wasn't much better in 2021, going 9-9 in 32 appearances (30 starts) with a 5.28 ERA. By signing him to a minor league deal, Arizona is minimizing any risk that would come with bringing in a struggling starting pitcher.
MLB Network's Jon Heyman reported that the Diamondbacks are only responsible for the pro-rated minimum salary for Keuchel. Arizona also has an out if he doesn't make it to the majors by a certain date, per Rosenthal.
The deal will reunite Keuchel with Diamondbacks pitching coach Brent Strom. They spent five seasons together with the Houston Astros (2014-18). Arizona surely hopes Strom will help Keuchel find the success of years past.
During his time in Houston, Keuchel made the All-Star Game twice and won the American League Cy Young award in 2015. He topped the AL in wins that year, posting a 20-8 record, 2.48 ERA and 216 strikeouts in 232.0 innings pitched. Keuchel helped lead the Astros to a World Series title in 2017.
The Diamondbacks are fourth in the NL West with a 26-29 record. The team has a collective ERA of 4.19, which ranks 22nd in the majors. If Keuchel can return to form, he will help improve that number.
Arizona begins a four-game series against the Cincinnati Reds on Monday night.