MLB hitters haven’t been kind with left-hander Dallas Keuchel in the last two years.
He posted a 5.28 ERA with the Chicago White Sox in 2021, and a 9.20 mark with three different squads last year.
However, his time as a major leaguer is not over quite yet.
The 35-year-old southpaw is, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, signing a minor league contract with the Minnesota Twins.
Dallas Keuchel is signing minors deal with Twins
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) June 22, 2023
Despite the lousy recent numbers as a major leaguer, there was some degree of interest in Keuchel because he had been working at the renowned Driveline with the hope of extending his playing career.
Driveline has been known for helping both hitters and pitchers optimize their tools and enhance their performance on the field with an analytics and data-driven approach.
Keuchel will have to earn his spot in the majors with his minor league performance, though.
After all, that 9.20 ERA of his last year came with an equally horrifying 2.06 WHIP in 60.2 frames.
Basically, Minnesota would love to see if there is anything left in the tank.
Fans don’t have much faith in him, though.
Rangers had him for I believe one start last year and it was really really bad. Still getting signed because of his past only.
— greeni (@greeni813) June 22, 2023
— ElYorch (@511_Jrios) June 22, 2023
Any chatter on Madison Bumgarner?
— Dr. Will Kratt (@will_kratt) June 22, 2023
He’s alive! (And mid)
— joe (@BurdenBurner) June 22, 2023
The skepticism is understandable to some degree, but if Keuchel was serious enough about a comeback to go to Driveline and revamp his whole approach to pitching, he at least deserves one last shot.
There is no risk in the move by the Twins: they are not looking for him to be an ace.
What they are hoping is that he can develop into a depth starter for them, and that would be very valuable.
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