The Arizona Diamondbacks and Dallas Keuchel could very well make each other better in 2022, and that’s why Monday’s minor league deal bringing the 34-year-old southpaw into the Diamondbacks system seems a perfect fit.
Why the Arizona Diamondbacks signing Dallas Keuchel was a smart move for both sides
After being designated for assignment by the Chicago White Sox following eight starts in 2022 that produced a 7.88 ERA/6.20 FIP/2.156 WHIP, Keuchel needed to find a new home in order to continue an MLB career that has produced a Cy Young Award in 2015 and a 2017 World Series ring, both with the Houston Astros. He found that home in the Arizona system in a move that reunites him with Diamondbacks pitching coach Brent Strom, who joined Arizona this offseason after playing such a key role in Houston’s pitching success in his eight seasons there.
Can Strom rejuvenate Keuchel, who has posted a 5.71 ERA over his last 40 games (38 starts)? If so, it makes this move a very low-risk, high-reward deal for the Diamondbacks, who only have to pay a prorated portion of Keuchel’s $18 million salary set for this season. The White Sox will have to pay the rest, so seeing what Keuchel can bring to the franchise at the Triple-A level is seemingly a no-brainer.
According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, Keuchel’s deal also includes an opt-out if the Diamondbacks do not promote him to their MLB roster by a certain date. Again, it’s a good deal for both sides to see if this deal is a fit and can produce what both the Diamondbacks and Keuchel want, which is a chance for him to once again succeed on an MLB mound.
Keuchel will be under pressure to perform at Triple-A Reno and show the Diamondbacks he can still make a difference for an MLB team. However, if he does that, Arizona will have another weapon in its arsenal in a very tough National League West.