A notable name is making headlines in the MLB world as Dallas Keuchel, a former star of the Houston Astros, is set to embark on his 14th season after signing a minor league deal with the Kansas City Royals. This move was reported earlier today by ESPN’s Jeff Passan, reigniting interest around the veteran pitcher who once dominated the league.
Keuchel, a former AL Cy Young Award winner and key contributor to the Astros’ World Series title run, has faced challenges over the past few seasons. At 37, he’s not the same pitcher who captured accolades early in his career, but he’s still determined to make a mark. This spring, reports indicate he has reached 92 MPH with his fastball in training—a notable uptick as he typically averaged around 89 MPH during his prime years in Houston. However, it’s not solely about the speed; the real test lies in how effectively he can command his pitches and keep hitters off balance.
In his first seven years with the Astros, Keuchel established a reliable track record, posting a 3.66 ERA, a 1.250 WHIP, and a solid 7.2 K/9 rate. He was a two-time All-Star and was recognized as the league’s best pitcher when he won the Cy Young Award in 2015. Fast forward to the present, and Keuchel’s journey has seen him don the uniform of six different teams post-Astros, struggling to find consistency. In fact, he’s only managed to exceed 10 starts in half of those seasons.
His recent performance numbers reflect the struggles he has encountered. Since 2021, Keuchel’s ERA has ballooned to 6.24, with a WHIP of 1.686 and a K/9 rate that has dipped to 5.7. Despite being able to induce ground balls, he has been plagued by a high number of hits allowed, raising questions about his ability to return to form.
For the Royals, this signing is about scouting potential. Keuchel must demonstrate that he has adapted his game and unlocked new elements to prove he’s more than just a stopgap option. The chance to return to the majors, and particularly to contribute meaningfully beyond spot starts, will hinge on his ability to harness his remaining skills and prove he can still navigate the competitive landscape of the big leagues. Whether he can reignite the spark that made him a household name will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike as the season unfolds.
