The Atlanta Braves officially announced free agent left-hander Dallas Keuchel has signed a one-year contract with the team on Friday evening, one night after multiple outlets reported the agreement between the former Cy Young Award winner.
On Thursday, MLB.com reported that the deal was worth $13 million, with Keuchel slated to start Saturday for Triple-A Gwinnett.
Keuchel, whom the Braves revealed will wear No. 60, will take the place of RHP Darren O’Day, who was moved to the 60-day injured list.
Keuchel, who won the 2015 American League Cy Young Award, rejected a one-year, $17.9 million qualifying offer last fall from the Houston Astros and had been seeking a multi-year deal, but recent reports indicated he has been willing to accept a one-year prorated deal.
During spring training, Keuchel turned down a one-year, $15 million offer from the Astros, ESPN’s Buster Olney reported.
Keuchel, 31, was the biggest free agent on the market after closer Craig Kimbrel reportedly agreed to a three-year deal with the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday night.
Until Monday, teams signing either Kimbrel or Keuchel would have lost a draft pick because they turned down qualifying offers.
Keuchel compiled a 76-63 record in seven seasons with the Astros. He pitched in 192 games (183 starts) and has a lifetime 3.66 ERA with 945 strikeouts in 1,189 1/3 innings.