Atlanta’s rotation, led by budding ace Max Fried and rookie Mike Soroka, just got a little bit scarier.
David O’Brien of the Athletic reported that the Braves have agreed to terms with Dallas Keuchel. The deal is likely for one year.
#Braves have agreed to terms with left-hander Dallas Keuchel, sources tell The Athletic.
Likely a one-year deal, but working to confirm that.— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) June 7, 2019
Keuchel, who helped lead the Astros to their first World Series title in franchise history, holds a 3.66 ERA with 965 strikeouts through six seasons of play.
At the end of the 2018 season, the 2015 Cy Young Award winner became a free agent. It was thought that he would be a quick sign after years of success in Houston. But, signing him meant the respective team, including the Braves, would lose a draft pick. It didn’t take long for teams to pounce once he became an unrestricted free agent, though.
The southpaw with the fierce beard brings his challenging off-speed ability and more-than-decent 7.2 K/9 to an already promising rotation.
It’s unknown how long it will take for Keuchel to shake off the rust and make an impact on the major league team. His agent Scott Boras said he would only need a week. The Braves will likely give him at least a couple of starts in AAA before throwing him into the fire, but they need a more consistent starter in the rotation.
Mike Foltynewicz and Kevin Gausman have been unreliable every five days. Both are touting ERAs above six. The Braves will be more patient with Folty because of his All-Star campaign a year ago and upside, but Gausman’s chances are running out. Unless something changes in the next couple of starts, Gaus will find himself out of the rotation when Keuchel is ready.
I think it’s time for everyone in Braves Country to take a sigh of relief and pat yourself on the back. We’ve been clamoring for something to happen, and the Braves finally spent some damn money! They aren’t done yet, though. I see them trying to add at least one more bullpen arm and possibly another starter.