The Houston Astros have been one of Major League Baseball's most successful clubs of the last decade. Like clockwork, the Astros have qualified for each of the last eight MLB postseasons, reaching the World Series four times during that stretch while winning it all twice, providing countless memories for Houston fans along the way.
Several players helped contribute to the Astros' success during that run, including left-handed hurler Dallas Keuchel. The former 2009 seventh-round pick was one of baseball's best pitchers during his Houston run; however, he hasn't had much success since leaving town, and has yet to pitch a game this season as the MLB All-Star break looms.
But just when his outlook seemed dim, the former Astros ace just took his first steps towards his 2025 debut.
Former Astros LHP Dallas Keuchel Signs Minor-League Contract with Royals
On Wednesday, the Kansas City Royals announced that they've signed Keuchel to a minor-league contract. The 37-year-old LHP most recently pitched for Japan's Chiba Lotte Marines last season, leaving time to tell what he has left in the tank at this stage of his career.
We have signed LHP Dallas Keuchel to a minor league contract.
— Raising Royals (@KCRoyalsPD) July 9, 2025
During his time with the Astros, there was no denying that Keuchel was one of MLB's top starting pitchers. Between 2012 and 2018, the Tulsa, OK native went 76-63 with a 3.66 ERA and 945 strikeouts across 192 appearances (183 starts, 1,189 1/3 innings). His tenure saw him earn four Gold Gloves, two All-Star nods, and a 2015 American League Cy Young win.
That's without mentioning his being 4-2 with a 3.31 ERA in 10 postseason appearances.
Much to his dismay, though, Keuchel's career quickly fell off after that. He's since made appearances with six franchises in the last six years, going 27-29 with a 5.03 ERA in 90 outings (84 innings, 453 innings) with most of his stays lasting a season or less.
Over in Japan, Keuchel pitched to a 2-4 record and 3.60 ERA in 40 innings spread across eight appearances with Chiba Lotte. How that translates to North America remains to be seen, but it's clear his overseas performance was solid enough to have the Royals roll the dice on a minor-league deal.
Keuchel is one of the most important players in recent Astros history, and Houston fans would love to see his career end on a high note rather than a low one. Hopefully, he can capitalize on his opportunity with the Royals to help extend his career long enough so that he can end it on his own terms.