Atlanta Braves Should Avoid Signing Dallas Keuchel

The Atlanta Braves have been connected to starter Dallas Keuchel. Despite their need for pitching signing Keuchel would be a mistake on any long term deal for the former Astro.

The Atlanta Braves should make a move considering how badly they have been outperformed this off-season. Every front office in their division has made improvements but the Braves have added very little to a division winning roster.

Despite some suggestions, Dallas Keuchel would be a terrible idea for a team that is attempting to set themselves up for contention long term.

Keuchel is yet to sign still looking for a long term deal. A long term deal Atlanta shouldn’t consider giving considering his inconsistency and age. Dallas is 31-years old and likely exiting his prime.

He finished last season with a 3.74 ERA and was inconsistent. That along with the fact he is comparable to a pitcher like Julio Teheran who has frustrated Braves fans endlessly should scare the front office away.

Waiting on next year’s market or adding a mid-level starter at a cheaper rate would be the best moves for Atlanta. While they do need to make a move to keep pace in an increasingly competitive division signing Keuchel would be the wrong one.

He is a pitcher who would fit the roster only on a short term deal. A deal Keuchel will only sign if he becomes truly desperate with limited options left on a stale free agent market.

The Braves could also opt to improve their outfield or bullpen depth both positions of concern considering aging veterans and limited depth. Regardless of their decision signing Keuchel to anything aside from a short term deal shouldn’t be an option for a team with a myriad of young pitching options.

The Braves play their first televised Spring Training game of the season today on Fox Sports as they take on the New York Yankees.