Headlines

  • Qualifying Offer Value To Land Around $20.5MM
  • Shohei Ohtani Undergoes Elbow Surgery
  • Marlins Claim Matt Moore From Guardians
  • Rays To Announce New Stadium Deal
  • Reds Designate Hunter Renfroe For Assignment
  • Shohei Ohtani Out For Season With Oblique Strain
  • Previous
  • Next
Register
Login
  • Hoops Rumors
  • Pro Football Rumors
  • Pro Hockey Rumors

MLB Trade Rumors

  • Home
  • Teams
    • AL East
      • Baltimore Orioles
      • Boston Red Sox
      • New York Yankees
      • Tampa Bay Rays
      • Toronto Blue Jays
    • AL Central
      • Chicago White Sox
      • Cleveland Guardians
      • Detroit Tigers
      • Kansas City Royals
      • Minnesota Twins
    • AL West
      • Houston Astros
      • Los Angeles Angels
      • Oakland Athletics
      • Seattle Mariners
      • Texas Rangers
    • NL East
      • Atlanta Braves
      • Miami Marlins
      • New York Mets
      • Philadelphia Phillies
      • Washington Nationals
    • NL Central
      • Chicago Cubs
      • Cincinnati Reds
      • Milwaukee Brewers
      • Pittsburgh Pirates
      • St. Louis Cardinals
    • NL West
      • Arizona Diamondbacks
      • Colorado Rockies
      • Los Angeles Dodgers
      • San Diego Padres
      • San Francisco Giants
  • About
    • MLB Trade Rumors
    • Tim Dierkes
    • Writing team
    • Advertise
    • Archives
  • Contact
  • Tools
    • 2023-24 MLB Free Agent List
    • 2024-25 MLB Free Agent List
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Arbitration Tracker
    • Agency Database
  • NBA/NFL/NHL
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors
  • App
  • Chats
Go To Pro Hockey Rumors
Go To Hoops Rumors

Twins Sign Dallas Keuchel To Minor League Deal

By Steve Adams | June 22, 2023 at 10:49am CDT

10:49am: Twins manager Rocco Baldelli confirmed the signing, tweets Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com. “We’re glad to have him in the organization and to give him an opportunity to go out there and pitch and show all the things that he’s been working on,” said Baldelli.

9:43am: The Twins have agreed to a minor league deal with left-hander Dallas Keuchel, reports Jon Heyman of the New York Post (Twitter link). The WME client has recently been working out with Driveline Baseball and, as Driveline director of pitching Chris Langin recently noted (Twitter thread), has restored some of the velocity on his heater and movement on his sinker and revamped sweeper. He’ll presumably wind up with the Twins’ Triple-A affiliate in St. Paul, though he might first require a tune-up at a lower-level affiliate.

The 35-year-old Keuchel’s past two seasons have been a nightmare, as the former AL Cy Young winner was shelled for a 6.35 ERA in 222 2/3 innings between the White Sox, D-backs and Rangers. That includes a particularly calamitous 2022 campaign in which he was tagged for 62 earned runs on a whopping 94 hits and 31 walks in just 60 2/3 frames. Keuchel’s fastball averaged a career-worst 87.8 mph in 2022, and his 10.2% walk rate was his highest since a 10.3% mark as a rookie way back in 2012.

That said, Keuchel had strong results back in 2020 (1.99 ERA in 63 1/3 innings) and from 2014-20 was a high-end starting pitcher for the Astros, Braves and White Sox. During that time, the lefty piled up 1126 1/3 innings of 3.25 ERA ball (3.55 FIP, 3.63 SIERA). Keuchel has long posted below-average strikeout rates but, at his best, will offset them with excellent command and one of the top ground-ball rates in the Majors. Opponents have averaged just an 87.4 mph exit velocity against him since Statcast began tracking it in 2015, and even in his recent disastrous seasons Keuchel was only slightly below average in terms of limiting hard contact.

Certainly, it’s beyond optimistic to expect Keuchel to recapture his 2015 Cy Young form. The Twins would likely be thrilled if the lefty were able to even emerge as a viable back-of-the-rotation starter or perhaps a multi-inning reliever. Langin notes that Keuchel has been sitting 89 mph with his fastball and 88.9 mph with his sinker in workouts — down slightly from peak levels but roughly in line with Keuchel’s 2016-19 seasons, when he posted a 3.77 ERA over 102 starts.

Fortunately for the Twins, they can look at Keuchel as a pure depth option rather than someone they’ll realistically need to turn to before long. Minnesota recently optioned fifth starter Louie Varland to Triple-A, but the expectation is that Kenta Maeda will be returning from the injured list in his place. Sonny Gray, Pablo Lopez, Joe Ryan and Bailey Ober give the Twins a strong top four in their rotation anyhow, and the club is hoping for Chris Paddack to finish off his rehab from Tommy John surgery later this summer as well.

Keuchel will merely add to that stockpile of rotation options. If he looks to be in pre-2021 form in Triple-A, that’ll be a major bonus for the Twins, but if he continues to struggle as he has over the past two seasons, they can move on without feeling they’ve placed a major strain on their rotation depth.

Share 0 Retweet 20 Send via email0

Minnesota Twins Newsstand Transactions Dallas Keuchel

Red Sox Make Several Roster Moves
Main
Red Sox Acquire Tayler Scott From Dodgers
View Comments (63)

Comments

  1. rememberthecoop

    3 months ago

    He’s cooked.

    6
    Reply
    • Big whiffa

      3 months ago

      He’s got his heater back up to 72 mph w some spin. Watch out for him

      6
      Reply
  2. avenger65

    3 months ago

    How desperate for pitching must the Twins be to sign Keuchel, who was dfa’d by the White Sox, Dbacks and Rangers last year? I know he’s a lefty, but he’s lost it in a big way.

    9
    Reply
    • ForDoingNothing

      3 months ago

      How little you must know about baseball if you think the twins with a top 5 team era are desperate for pitching

      10
      Reply
      • ForDoingNothing

        3 months ago

        Man of the Twins pitchers have frequented driveline the past couple years so if they heard something decent why wouldn’t it be worth taking a non roster flyer on the guy?

        6
        Reply
        • HeedFrodo

          3 months ago

          Driveline= burned out arm in 3 years

          2
          Reply
      • avenger65

        3 months ago

        Then why sign a pitcher as bad as Keuchel? All three teams can’t be wrong.

        3
        Reply
        • mlb1225

          3 months ago

          I will say the videos that Driveline posted recently are promising. He’s averaging out at 88.9 MPH, which would be the fastest his sinker has averaged out at since 2018. Also looks like he’s added some more movement. Not saying I’d expect much, but he’s looked better so far in training.

          5
          Reply
        • ForDoingNothing

          3 months ago

          Because he’s getting paid nothing and starting pitchers drop like flies every season. Is it really that difficult for you to understand? They’re not calling him up unless he shows something. Are you that worried about him ruining the St Paul Saints season?

          12
          Reply
        • ForDoingNothing

          3 months ago

          Take a moment to do some research on driveline as you’ve obviously not heard of them

          3
          Reply
        • Dogbone

          3 months ago

          We all think that our teams could use some pitching help – and then you read this!!! Makes issues with our fav teams, look quite small.

          1
          Reply
        • RJNarvick

          3 months ago

          I’ve heard of them. They helped Trevor Bauer learn the nuances of foreign substances. He’s currently getting shelled overseas. Same with Karinchak. He’s in triple A – as soon as MLB cracked
          down he had nothing.

          3
          Reply
        • GooseGoslinGuy

          3 months ago

          It’s the Second Coming of Jamie Moyer.

          1
          Reply
    • cornwhisperer

      3 months ago

      I’m actually surprised the Pirates didn’t sign him and aren’t starting him immediately. It’s the kind of signing that Pirates fans have come to expect

      3
      Reply
    • Captain-Judge99

      3 months ago

      No gamble, whatsoever. It’s a minor league deal.

      5
      Reply
  3. paleobros

    3 months ago

    Start planning the parade.

    4
    Reply
    • DCartrow

      3 months ago

      I think you mean procession.

      6
      Reply
  4. This one belongs to the Reds

    3 months ago

    I figured he was retired ..by 30 teams.

    1
    Reply
  5. Edp007

    3 months ago

    Kaka Keuchel giving it one last push ?

    1
    Reply
  6. Roman S. Coe

    3 months ago

    This certainly is confusing…
    Is Mad Bum next…?

    3
    Reply
    • solaris602

      3 months ago

      At least he wasn’t getting lit up like a Christmas tree every time he got within 20 feet of a mound like Keuchel did last year

      2
      Reply
    • Seamus O'Meara

      3 months ago

      MadBum is done. Very poor performances and he has also gotten very grouchy with age. Today’s game is really irritating him and he may even show up at a ballpark and execute all the analytics guys and young showboating type players

      Reply
      • BuyBuyMets

        3 months ago

        I’d pay to see that, and baseball would benefit greatly.

        1
        Reply
  7. TwinsFan8791

    3 months ago

    Twins have plenty of starter depth. This could be intriguing if he is put in the pen. Twins are looking for lefties with Thielbar not staying healthy and Moran being overused.

    3
    Reply
    • Big whiffa

      3 months ago

      I like it !

      1
      Reply
  8. CaptainHooks

    3 months ago

    No risk sifting through the ash heap by Twins management to try to resurrect a once great career.. Best of luck, Dallas Keuchel, in your comeback attempt. It should be a good opportunity for young pitchers in the Twins farm system to pick the brain of a former Cy Young pitcher.

    6
    Reply
    • Appalachian_Outlaw

      3 months ago

      Absolutely worth taking the gamble. Worst case you’re out what amounts to a handful of peanuts for a ML club. Best case, he’s rediscovered something- and you can never have too many pitchers.

      6
      Reply
  9. tedtheodorelogan

    3 months ago

    Why is a slider all of a sudden called a sweeper?

    2
    Reply
    • mlb1225

      3 months ago

      They’re not distinguishing the difference between a normal slider and a sweeping slider. Foolish Baseball does a good job of explaining it, if you want a better, more detailed explaination: youtube.com/watch?v=XwMot7JOjCI&pp=ygUYRm9vbG…

      4
      Reply
    • notagain27

      3 months ago

      I believe the Sweeper is the Roundhouse Curveball of the 60’s

      Reply
  10. Old York

    3 months ago

    Why not? No major damage on a minor deal.

    Reply
  11. uvmfiji

    3 months ago

    What’s the record for being released? Shelby Miller has been dropped four times and he is lights out this year.

    4
    Reply
    • YankeesBleacherCreature

      3 months ago

      I’m counting nine times for Ryan Weber. May be missing one or five releases

      Reply
    • BuyBuyMets

      3 months ago

      Unlike Dallas, Miller can top 89 MPH and has an effective nreaking ball.

      Reply
  12. waterdog311

    3 months ago

    Cards were just waiting in the wings to make this their deadline deal, now the season is ruined!!! What will we do Mo? “Oli, fire the ball boy and go kick Stuby in the Clap…I’m pissed”

    2
    Reply
  13. mlb1225

    3 months ago

    He’s back up to 88-90 MPH, which is much closer to 2017-2019. Maybe he’s found a groove again. We shall see.

    3
    Reply
  14. Kershaw's Lesser Known Right Arm

    3 months ago

    Dallas Keuchel, one of the luckiest baseball players ever … in more ways than one haha

    Reply
    • hiflew

      3 months ago

      He still has more Cy Young Awards than 99% of all MLB pitchers.

      1
      Reply
      • Kershaw's Lesser Known Right Arm

        3 months ago

        You didn’t get my little joke lol

        Reply
        • hiflew

          3 months ago

          As long as you amuse yourself, you will always have a captive audience.

          Reply
        • Kershaw's Lesser Known Right Arm

          3 months ago

          Truer words have never been spoken

          Reply
    • rodcarew

      3 months ago

      Miss Nash perhaps?

      Reply
      • Kershaw's Lesser Known Right Arm

        3 months ago

        Miss Nash indeed. Rod Carew gets it.

        Reply
  15. solaris602

    3 months ago

    KOOOOOCH!!!!!!

    1
    Reply
  16. Joefishy

    3 months ago

    How am I gonna be an optimist about this? But if you close your eyes…

    Reply
  17. Hemlock

    3 months ago

    > “We’re glad to have him in the
    > organization and to give him an
    > opportunity to go out there and
    > pitch and show all the things
    > that he’s been working on,”
    > said Baldelli.

    Heya Coach, check this pitch out. I call it the “neck burner”, because you’re gonna burn yours watchin this pitch fly out of every park.

    I also learned in the power of Hope. I no longer try to put spin on the ball or throw it hard. I throw it with hard thoughts of Hope. If you believe in Hope, that’s all that matters, and destiny will be yours.

    3
    Reply
    • CaptainHooks

      3 months ago

      jack trump

      Reply
  18. Seamus O'Meara

    3 months ago

    1.2 IP 8 hits 6 runs 1 BB 0 K.

    3
    Reply
    • Hemlock

      3 months ago

      > 1.2 IP 8 hits 6 runs 1 BB 0 K.

      So you’re confirming that he has improved!

      5
      Reply
  19. CravenMoorehead

    3 months ago

    BATTER UP!

    Reply
  20. solaris602

    3 months ago

    Twins hitters irritated they won’t have the opportunity to tee off on him like their opponents will. Oh well, the experiment won’t last very long any way.

    2
    Reply
  21. Yankeesforever

    3 months ago

    How many nursing homes did they have to search to find this guy?!

    1
    Reply
  22. ChiSoxPain

    3 months ago

    Kelly Nash wants him out of the house.

    4
    Reply
    • Dogbone

      3 months ago

      I would bet by now, that have had enough of each other. But again, they deserve each other.

      Reply
  23. whitesox2112

    3 months ago

    I would cringe in my seat when I watched him pitch for Sox, Sox could use him as batting practice now… Twinkies are desperate enough to sign him.

    2
    Reply
  24. whitesox2112

    3 months ago

    Even Kelly Nash has taken him deep, right in the giggy. Lol

    1
    Reply
  25. CWeb555

    3 months ago

    Another 3 inning pitcher !

    Reply
  26. Yanks2

    3 months ago

    Smug, ugly cheater

    Reply
  27. MarlinsFanBase

    3 months ago

    Can someone in both Central divisions pull away from the pck to send all the bad teams into being sellers? The way things are now, we’re looking at losing teams who will be buyers because they can still win those two Central divisions.

    2
    Reply
  28. cah011381

    3 months ago

    Gotta respect the hell out of the guy for not giving up.

    1
    Reply
  29. nottinghamforest13

    3 months ago

    His strange wife must have been driving him up a wall and he needed to get out of the house.

    1
    Reply
  30. pjmcnu

    3 months ago

    Just needs a brief stint to get his 10 years service time & max out his pension. Then he can go ahead and retire w/o leaving $$ on the table.

    Reply
  31. joefleury

    3 months ago

    He could show a bounce back. The Twins have a way of making low velocity arms successful. The 100mph heaters are getting all the hype, but if you can adjust speeds with 15 mph+ between off speed and fastballs it messes enough with the timing of hitters to be effective. I would not be surprised to see him have success with the Twins.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Please login to leave a reply.

Log in Register

ad: 300x250_1_MLB

    Top Stories

    Qualifying Offer Value To Land Around $20.5MM

    Shohei Ohtani Undergoes Elbow Surgery

    Marlins Claim Matt Moore From Guardians

    Rays To Announce New Stadium Deal

    Reds Designate Hunter Renfroe For Assignment

    Shohei Ohtani Out For Season With Oblique Strain

    Marcus Stroman To Pitch Out Of Bullpen

    Red Sox Fire Chaim Bloom

    Orioles Select Heston Kjerstad

    Jasson Dominguez To Undergo UCL Surgery

    Max Scherzer Unlikely To Return This Year Due To Teres Major Strain

    Ryan Mountcastle Being Evaluated For Shoulder Issue, Heston Kjerstad Promotion Possible

    Nationals Agree To Multi-Year Extension With Mike Rizzo

    Mets Reach Agreement To Hire David Stearns As President Of Baseball Operations

    Orioles Activate John Means

    Cubs To Promote Pete Crow-Armstrong

    Jasson Dominguez To Undergo Surgery To Repair UCL Tear

    Rockies Extend Germán Márquez

    Rangers Promote Evan Carter, Place Adolis García On IL

    Walker Buehler Won’t Return This Year

    Recent

    MLB Trade Rumors Podcast: Front Office Changes in Boston and New York, and the New Rays’ Stadium Agreement

    Byron Buxton To Begin Rehab Assignment

    Padres’ Tim Hill Undergoes Finger Surgery

    Nick Madrigal Suffers Grade 2 Hamstring Strain

    Qualifying Offer Value To Land Around $20.5MM

    Riley Greene Undergoes Tommy John Surgery

    Tigers Select Brenan Hanifee

    Jasson Dominguez Undergoes Tommy John Surgery

    Brewers Place Elvis Peguero On Injured List

    Brewers’ J.C. Mejía Given 162-Game Suspension After Positive PED Test

    ad: 300x250_5_side_mlb

    MLBTR Newsletter - Hot stove highlights in your inbox, five days a week

    Latest Rumors & News

    Latest Rumors & News

    • Shohei Ohtani Rumors
    Trade Rumors App for iOS and Android

    MLBTR Features

    MLBTR Features

    • Go Ad-Free
    • 2023-24 MLB Free Agent List
    • 2024-25 MLB Free Agent List
    • MLB Player Chats
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Extension Tracker
    • Agency Database
    • MLBTR On Twitter
    • MLBTR On Facebook
    • Team Facebook Pages
    • How To Set Up Notifications For Breaking News
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors

    Rumors By Team

    • Angels Rumors
    • Astros Rumors
    • Athletics Rumors
    • Blue Jays Rumors
    • Braves Rumors
    • Brewers Rumors
    • Cardinals Rumors
    • Cubs Rumors
    • Diamondbacks Rumors
    • Dodgers Rumors
    • Giants Rumors
    • Guardians Rumors
    • Mariners Rumors
    • Marlins Rumors
    • Mets Rumors
    • Nationals Rumors
    • Orioles Rumors
    • Padres Rumors
    • Phillies Rumors
    • Pirates Rumors
    • Rangers Rumors
    • Rays Rumors
    • Red Sox Rumors
    • Reds Rumors
    • Rockies Rumors
    • Royals Rumors
    • Tigers Rumors
    • Twins Rumors
    • White Sox Rumors
    • Yankees Rumors

    ad: 160x600_MLB

    Navigation

    • Sitemap
    • Archives
    • Feeds by Team

    MLBTR INFO

    • Advertise
    • About
    • Commenting Policy
    • Privacy Policy

    Connect

    • Contact Us
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • RSS Feed

    MLB Trade Rumors is not affiliated with Major League Baseball, MLB or MLB.com

    hide arrowsFOX Sports Engage Network scroll to top

    Register

    Desktop Version | Switch To Mobile Version