After missing almost a third of 2019 season, veteran pitcher Dallas Keuchel has joined an MLB team. According to The Athletic, Keuchel, who is 2015 Cy Young Award winner, agreed to a one-year deal with the Atlanta Braves.
Dallas Keuchel became a free agent after 2018 MLB season, turning down a $17.9 million qualifying offer from Houston Astros. Although he had a pretty good season, Keuchel met with an unfavorable market and saw a lack of offers coming his way. This was mostly because the league requires teams to give up draft pick if they sign a free agent who previously had rejected a qualifying offer from their previous employers. This requirement expired on Monday, however, and gave Keuchel more opportunities to land a job.
Keuchel’s deal is reportedly worth around $21 million, meaning he will earn $13 million for the rest of 2019. According to ESPN, the 31-year-old left-hander underwent his physical on Friday and will play for Braves’ affiliate Triple-A Gwinnett over the weekend.
Keuchel spent his entire career with the Astros, making two All-Star appearances during his seven years with the team. He also has four Gold Glove Awards and has helped the team to win World Series in 2017. His MLB career stats include 76–63 record, 3.66 ERA and 945 strikeouts.
