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Minnesota Twins: Were the Twins better off without Craig Kimbrel & Dallas Keuchel?

By Chris Schad

NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 29: Closer Craig Kimbrel #24 of the Chicago Cubs pitches during the ninth inning of a game against the New York Mets at Citi Field on August 29, 2019 in New York City. The Cubs defeated the Mets 4-1. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 29: Closer Craig Kimbrel #24 of the Chicago Cubs pitches during the ninth inning of a game against the New York Mets at Citi Field on August 29, 2019 in New York City. The Cubs defeated the Mets 4-1. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 11: Pitcher Dallas Keuchel #60 of the Atlanta Braves delivers a pitch against the Philadelphia Phillies during the first inning of a game at Citizens Bank Park on September 11, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 11: Pitcher Dallas Keuchel #60 of the Atlanta Braves delivers a pitch against the Philadelphia Phillies during the first inning of a game at Citizens Bank Park on September 11, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

How Dallas Keuchel has done with the Braves

While Kimbrel eventually got a three-year deal from the Cubs, Keuchel wasn’t so lucky before signing a one-year deal with the Atlanta Braves. A rumored target throughout the season, the Twins were interested in signing the left-hander to a deal, but it was not the same level of interest they had in bringing in Keuchel.

When Keuchel officially inked the deal with Atlanta on June 7, this made sense. Jose Berrios (8-3, 3.14 ERA through June 7) and Jake Odorizzi (8-2, 1.96 ERA) were both on their way to making trips to the All-Star game, while the bottom half of the rotation, which included Michael Pineda, Martin Perez and Kyle Gibson seemed to be adequate enough to fill in any question marks.

This combined with a lack of velocity and shoulder issues, seemed to scream “buyer beware” for those who took the plunge on the fellow 31-year old, but unlike Kimbrel, he’s enjoyed a healthy stint with his new employer.

Keuchel has been consistent with the Braves this season, posting an 8-6 record and 3.63 ERA in 17 starts. While there have been bumps in the road (such as an eight-run outing against Miami on Aug. 8 and a five-run start against Philadelphia in his last time out), he’s been consistent posting 11 quality starts for Atlanta.

With Kuchel as a steady force in the rotation, the Braves have taken control of the National League East and seem poised for their second consecutive division title.

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