Atlanta Braves quiet trade deadline could make way for fiery reunion

The Atlanta Braves didn’t make many moves at the trade deadline, but that shouldn’t stop them from adding a former Cy Young winner to the roster.

Minnesota Twins right-handed pitcher Dallas Keuchel has opted out of his minor-league deal, thus making him a free agent unless the Twins add him to the major-league roster. With that seeming unlikely, another team such as the Braves could swoop in and take a chance on Keuchel.

While Max Fried and Kyle Wright are coming back in due time, the Braves could use a short-term upgrade at the back end of their rotation. Spencer Strider, Bryce Elder and Charlie Morton can only carry this team so far in the dog days of summer. Keuchel, who pitched for the Braves back in 2019 to the tune of a 8-8 record and 3.75 ERA could be an upgrade.

MLB Rumors: Could Braves bring back Dallas Keuchel?

While Keuchel hasn’t been his usual self at the MLB level the last few years, he’s pitched quite well in the Twins minor-league system of late, as MLB Trade Rumors notes:

"“Since inking that minors pact in June, Keuchel has a very impressive 1.13 ERA over six starts and 32 Triple-A innings.  His 21.2% strikeout rate and 9.1% walk rate are nothing to write home about, but his 61.5% grounder rate indicates that the 35-year-old is still very capable of keeping the ball in the park.  The Triple-A numbers are at least a hint that Keuchel might have something left in the tank.”"

Keuchel would fight with Yonny Chirinos for the final spot in the Braves rotation, especially with Max Fried coming back this Friday against the Chicago Cubs. Atlanta only has one spot remaining, barring a decision by Brian Snitker to roll with a six-man rotation to Fried’s benefit in the interim. Chirinos starts for Atlanta on Wednesday, though he struggled his last time out.

Should he falter again, it may motivate Alex Anthopoulos to bring in a proven pitcher like Keuchel on the back end.