The Seattle Mariners have made a significant addition to their organization, signing former American League Cy Young Award winner Dallas Keuchel to a minor league deal.
Once considered one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball, Keuchel is looking to get his career back on track.
Mariners sign Dallas Keuchel to a minor league deal pic.twitter.com/k7cRjDde6J
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) April 3, 2024
The left-handed Keuchel will report to Triple-A Tacoma by this weekend, marking a fresh start for the 36-year-old veteran.
Last season, Keuchel saw action in 10 games for the Minnesota Twins, starting in six, where he posted a 5.97 ERA and a 2-1 record.
He used to be great player one of best. If keuchel could get back to dominate pitching the mariners could go six rotation and have chance at playoff and world series he is that good 👍
— Eric Smith (@EricSmi11284735) April 3, 2024
His journey through various MLB teams also included stints with the Houston Astros, Texas Rangers, Arizona Diamondbacks, Chicago White Sox and Atlanta Braves.
Of course, Keuchel is best known for his dominant stretch with the Astros, highlighted by his Cy Young winning season in 2015.
He was named an All-Star twice (2015 and 2017) and was an integral piece to Houston’s 2017 World Series winning team.
Love this pic of my lil dude, with Dallas Keuchel, at his first MLB game. He was 4 then. Now he’s 10 & becoming a pretty good pitcher himself. pic.twitter.com/XbW1Nr7OLl
— a50Martha Ervin (@okgal888) March 29, 2024
However, Keuchel suffered a sharp decline in performance and has struggled to catch on as a reliable pitcher in the big leagues in recent years.
He joined the Twins on a minor league deal last June and made his debut in August.
Despite a promising start, Keuchel faced challenges, including being moved to the bullpen, a role he admitted wasn’t his preference.
“Would I like to relieve? Not really,” Keuchel expressed. “At the same time, I want to win. I made that clear with why I wanted to stick in Minnesota. This is kind of what we could do. I just want to be a part of something.”
Why? We have needed offense for 20 years!
— FishingFool1965 (@FishingFoolUW) April 3, 2024
Struggling to find consistency, Keuchel has faced numerous setbacks.
It’s clear that his best days are long gone. That goes without saying. However, the Mariners look at the deal as low-risk, high-reward.
For Keuchel, he’s just thankful for another opportunity. After all, it’s not like clubs were knocking down his door.
The fall off of Dallas Keuchel doesn’t get talked about enough I feel like
— 🤘🏼Hoes Mad: Can’t Win A Home Game Edition🤘🏼 (@FactsorSTFU) April 3, 2024
Despite his recent struggles, Seattle sees potential in Keuchel, who could provide valuable depth as a long reliever or even a spot starter.
With a rotation featuring talents like Luis Castillo, Logan Gilbert, and George Kirby, Keuchel’s experience could offer stability to the team’s pitching staff.
Mariners signing Dallas Keuchel. I love this!
— Patrick Fancher (@PatrickFancher) April 3, 2024
What are your thoughts on Seattle adding Keuchel?
No one will pretend like he’s capable of regaining his old Cy Young form, but does he have enough left in the tank to make a legitimate impact?
In the bigger picture, what are your thoughts on the Mariners going forward???
— Y.A. Titty (@YATitTat) April 3, 2024