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Athletics Sign Former Cy Young Winner Dallas Keuchel to Minor League Deal
about 1 month agoUS
The Oakland Athletics have signed former Cy Young Award winner **Dallas Keuchel** to a minor league contract, as reported by ESPN's Jeff Passan. The 38-year-old left-hander will report to the A's Triple-A affiliate in Las Vegas, aiming to return to the major leagues for the first time since 2024.
Key Insights
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Dallas Keuchel: , the 2015 AL Cy Young Award winner, has signed a minor league deal with the Athletics at age 38.
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He last pitched in MLB in 2024 with the Milwaukee Brewers, recording a 5.40 ERA over four appearances.
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In 2025, Keuchel posted a solid 3.53 ERA across 35.2 innings with Triple-A Omaha (Royals affiliate) before being released in August.
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The A's rank 29th in MLB in ERA (5.34) and have multiple pitchers on the injured list, creating a potential pathway for Keuchel.
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Why this matters: This signing represents a low-risk move for a pitching-needy Athletics squad. If Keuchel shows he still has effectiveness, he could provide veteran depth or even eat innings in the majors down the stretch.
In-Depth Analysis
A Comeback Attempt Years in the Making
Dallas Keuchel's journey from the top of the pitching world to fighting for a roster spot is a story of both glory and the relentless passage of time. The southpaw dominated baseball in 2015 with the Houston Astros, posting a 2.48 ERA, a 20-8 record, and a league-leading 232 innings pitched. He was a key piece in Houston's transformation from perennial losers to 2017 World Series champions.
However, Keuchel's performance has sharply declined since Opening Day 2021. Over 277 innings with five different MLB teams, he has posted a 6.24 ERA. While he still generates ground balls as he did in his prime, his control has worsened, and home runs have become a recurring problem when batters elevate his offerings.
Historical Context: Keuchel's career mirrors that of many ground-ball specialists who lost effectiveness as velocity declined. His sinker sits in the mid-80s now, leaving virtually no margin for error.
The Athletics' Pitching Crunch
The A's entered July with a 44-59 record, but sit only eight games out in a weak AL West division. Their pitching staff has been a glaring weakness — ranking second-worst in both ERA and WHIP in baseball. The need for arms is further underscored by recent injuries:
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Opening Day starter Luis Severino is on the 60-day IL with a right shoulder strain.
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Starters J.T. Ginn and relievers Mark Leiter Jr. and Justin Sterner have all been placed on the IL in the past week.
With the MLB trade deadline approaching on August 3, the A's could move some current pitchers, potentially opening the door for Keuchel to return to the big leagues if he impresses in Triple-A.
What Keuchel Brings
Despite his struggles, Keuchel's minor league numbers in 2025 (3.53 ERA, 30 strikeouts in 35.2 innings) suggest he still has something left. The challenge will be pitching in hitter-friendly environments like Las Vegas and Sacramento, which are notoriously difficult for pitchers trying to find their rhythm.
Who this affects most: The Athletics' current rotation and bullpen arms, especially those battling injuries or inconsistency, as well as the team's front office evaluating whether to buy or sell at the deadline.
FAQs
When did Dallas Keuchel last pitch in the major leagues?
Keuchel last pitched in MLB with the Milwaukee Brewers in July 2024. He was designated for assignment and finished the 2024 season in Japan with the Chiba Lotte Marines.
What are the Athletics hoping to gain from this signing?
The A's are taking a no-risk flier on a veteran pitcher who could provide depth. Given their pitching woes (29th in ERA) and recent injuries, Keuchel could earn a call-up if he performs well in Triple-A.
Is Keuchel a Hall of Fame candidate?
While Keuchel won a Cy Young Award and a World Series, his career numbers (4.04 ERA, 103-92 record) and relatively short peak likely fall short of Hall of Fame standards.
Key Takeaways
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For Athletics fans: This signing signals that the front office is willing to explore all options to address their pitching issues, even if it means giving a 38-year-old veteran a second chance.
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For baseball history enthusiasts: Keuchel's attempted comeback is a reminder that even Cy Young winners face the challenge of aging out of the sport — and some refuse to go quietly.
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For fantasy baseball players: Keuchel is not worth rostering unless he earns a call-up and shows clear improvement. Monitor his Triple-A performance before making any moves.
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Key takeaway: The Athletics have nothing to lose, and Keuchel has everything to gain. It's a low-stakes opportunity with potentially meaningful rewards for both sides.
Discussion
Do you think Dallas Keuchel still has enough left to help a major league team, or is this the final chapter of a great career? Let us know in the comments!
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