Arizona Diamondbacks make smart move with Dallas Keuchel deal
By Kevin Henry
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.
Flashing back to when Madison Bumgarner was a victim of the ump show. dark. Next
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.