11-Year Veteran & Cy-Young Winner Elects Free Agency

Left-handed pitcher Dallas Keuchel, aged 35, has decided to exercise his opt-out clause in his minor league contract with the Minnesota Twins, making him a free agent.

Despite signing with the team in late June and delivering an impressive performance in Triple-A St. Paul, boasting a remarkable 1.13 ERA and a solid 1.25 WHIP over 32 innings in six starts, Keuchel was not promoted to the majors.

OPT-OUT: #MNTwins LHP Dallas Keuchel has opted out of his minor league contract. Minnesota will now have a few days to decide whether to add Keuchel to their active roster or release him.

— MLB Transaction Tracker (@MLBMovesTracker) August 2, 2023

Keuchel now becomes a free agent and will explore opportunities with other teams in need of pitching help.

Additionally, he could serve as a fallback option for contending teams that missed out on addressing their pitching needs during the trade deadline.

Should the Twins choose to promote him to the majors, Keuchel would earn the prorated portion of a $2.05 million salary.

Dallas Keuchel has opted out of his minor-league contract with the #MNTwins, per @Britt_Ghiroli

Keuchel, 35, has posted a 1.13 ERA and 1.25 WHIP over 32 innings with the St. Paul Saints (AAA).

He’s now a free-agent. pic.twitter.com/uUdOAdummR

— MLB Deadline News (@MLBDeadlineNews) August 2, 2023

With his recent strong showing in Triple-A, it will be intriguing to see which teams show interest in acquiring his services as he navigates the open market.

Keuchel won the Cy-Young award in 2015 with the Houston Astros, but has not even been close to the same pitcher since, compiling a 4.27 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, with 695 strikeouts across 917 innings and 159 appearances. Photo Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports