The Atlanta Braves have signed star pitcher Dallas Keuchel, the MLB franchise announced on Friday.
Keuchel – the 2015 American League Cy Young Award winner and 2017 World Series champion – joins Atlanta until the end of the season as a free agent.
The one-year deal is reportedly worth $13million and Keuchel, who left the Houston Astros in 2018, will be optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett.
In order to make room on the 40-man roster, Atlanta transferred Darren O'Day to the 60-day injured list.
"I think any team that gets a player of that stature is going to be fortunate," Snitker said when asked about Keuchel's potential arrival prior to Friday's series opener against the Miami Marlins.
"I think he's equipped, and he's been through the wars. He's pitched in big games, won a Cy Young. I think any team that gets him is going to be better for having him on their club."
#Braves Agree to Terms with LHP Dallas Keuchel: pic.twitter.com/uT70ISI3J2
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) June 8, 2019
Keuchel has posted a 3.77 ERA after winning the AL Cy Young award. As he posted a 3.74 ERA over 34 starts for the Astros in 2018, he surrendered a .263 batting average and a .704 OPS.
The New York Yankees and St Louis Cardinals were also rumoured to be serious suitors for Keuchel, who had remained unsigned since entering free agency in November.
Pitching is a key concern for defending NL East champions Atlanta as they try to chase down the Philadelphia Phillies. While the bullpen has seemed a more acute need — hence many fans' desire for a reunion with Craig Kimbrel — Braves starters actually have a slightly worse collective ERA than their relievers (4.38 to 4.25 entering Thursday).
Though he has not appeared in a game since last October, Keuchel should provide a boost to an Atlanta rotation that includes two pitchers with ERAs over 6.00 in Kevin Gausman and Mike Foltynewicz.
