Dallas Keuchel Rumors: New York Yankees, Atlanta Braves Are Top Suitors For MLB Free-Agent Pitcher

Now that MLB teams no longer have to surrender draft compensation in order to sign Dallas Keuchel, the pitcher’s free agency could end at any moment. The best starter on the market is expected to sign a contract within the next week, and the favorites for the veteran have begun to emerge.

According to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, the New York Yankees and Atlanta Braves are the top two contenders for Keuchel. Their exact contract offers aren’t known, but the teams are thought to be offering the veteran the same kind of money.

The Yankees have been linked to Keuchel for several weeks, and some even pegged them as the most likely destination for the pitcher when it became clear he’d remain unsigned until June. The Atlanta Braves were rumored to be a possible suitor for Keuchel in the offseason, but the organization wasn’t interested in meeting his lofty asking price.

Keuchel reportedly sought a contract worth well over $100 million in the winter. He’s expected to take a one-year deal worth between $11 million and $12 million soon.

The Minnesota Twins, Tampa Bay Rays and St. Louis Cardinals have all reportedly shown interest in giving Keuchel a short-term contract. Keuchel turned down the Houston Astros’ $17.9 million qualifying offer in November.

The Yankees lead the AL East with a 38-20 record, despite dealing with a rash of injuries. Signing the 2015 AL Cy Young winner might make New York the favorites to reach the World Series over Houston. The Astros are running away atop the AL West and have three more wins than the Yankees.

The Braves trail the Philadelphia Phillies by just a half-game in the NL East. Atlanta has also been linked to Craig Kimbrel, who could also sign a short deal for the 2019 season.

Keuchel was 12-11 with a 3.74 ERA and a 1.31 WHIP in 2018. He made the All-Star team with a 2.90 ERA in 2017.