Dallas Keuchel signing bolsters Atlanta Braves in pursuit of NL East repeat

After a 90-win breakout season in 2018, the Atlanta Braves entered the 2019 campaign with heightened expectations. While the early returns were shaky with an 18-20 start, things have stabilized in Atlanta to the point where the Braves appear to be in position to contend and, this week, the organization bolstered its rotation with the high-profile addition of starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel. 

Kimbrel, like newly signed Chicago Cubs reliever Craig Kimbrel, missed more than two months as a result of a contract stand-off and, even a few days ago, the Braves did not appear to have the inside track to acquiring his services. However, Atlanta jumped into the mix with a strong offer, reportedly pro-rated for $13 million on a rest-of-season pact, and that increased interest seemingly emerged after severe struggles in the rotation.

Youngsters Mike Soroka and Max Fried have produced at a quality level for the Braves this season but 2018 ace Mike Foltynewicz has struggled, both with performance and injury, and veteran Kevin Gausman recently imploded to the tune of 15 earned runs allowed over a two-start sample. That uncertainty, coupled with Atlanta's already unsteady bullpen, paved the way for the substantial financial investment in Keuchel, even if realistic expectations don't portray the veteran as the "ace" that his 2015 Cy Young award may indicate. 

Keuchel is steady, though, and his 3.74 ERA (over 204.2 innings) during the 2018 season would be a mark that the Braves would gleefully accept in the middle of their rotation. It is possible that Atlanta's trajectory won't be sharply changed by the addition of a solid, yet unspectacular, option on the mound every fifth day, but the appeal of Keuchel's stability for a young team is palpable. 

At present, the Braves trail the Philadelphia Phillies in pursuit of an NL East repeat but, with grander aspirations (and 16-1 odds to win the 2019 World Series) at the forefront, Atlanta decided it was time to move swiftly for a pitching upgrade.