Latest MLB Rumors On Dallas Keuchel, Craig Kimbrel After Philadelphia Phillies Sign Bryce Harper

Dallas Keuchel Houston Astros — Dallas Keuchel #60 of the Houston Astros pitches in the first inning against the Cleveland Indians during Game Three of the American League Division Series at Progressive Field on October 8, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

Now that Bryce Harper and Manny Machado are off the market, two pitchers have become the top players in free agency. With the 2019 MLB season set to start in less than a month, starter Dallas Keuchel and reliever Craig Kimbrel remain available.

Kimbrel reportedly began the offseason seeking a deal in excess of $100 million. Keuchel might have had his eyes on a similar contract when Patrick Corbin received $140 million from the Washington Nationals in early December.

Both Kimbrel and Keuchel might have to settle for far less than what they were once hoping to get in free agency. MLB teams seem wary of giving them long-term contracts at a high annual value.

The Philadelphia Phillies have been viewed as a player for the two free agents. Is that still the case after they agreed to give Harper a 13-year, $330 million contract?

Philly may look into Keuchel/Kimbrel, but early word is — unlike with Harper — their initial thought would be pretty short-term
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 28, 2019

A source said it remains unlikely the #Phillies sign Dallas Keuchel or Craig Kimbrel at this point, unless one of them suddenly wants a short-term deal.
— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) February 28, 2019

NL East payroll projections for luxury tax purposes (thanks Cots Contracts): 1. #Nationals $195.5M. 2. #Phillies $188M. 3. #Mets 181.1M. That does not take into account $ saved thru insurance by NYM on Wright/Cespedes. And Phils might still add a Keuchel, Gio and/or Kimbrel
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) March 1, 2019

Next on free agent watch list:

Craig Kimbrel #Twins staying in touch with agent.

Dallas Keuchel #Astros #Padres staying in touch with agent.

It’s March 1st tomorrow.
— Jim Bowden (@JimBowdenGM) February 28, 2019

It sounds like Philadelphia would only be willing to give Kimbrel or Keuchel a short-term contract. The Phillies have already had the busiest offseason of any team.

In addition to signing Harper, Philadelphia traded for All-Stars J.T. Realmuto and Jean Segura. The Phillies signed veteran outfielder Andrew McCutchen to a three-year, $50 million contract and gave reliever David Robertson $23 million over two years.

The Cincinnati Reds reportedly had interest in Keuchel earlier this winter. There’s a chance Keuchel could re-sign with the Houston Astros if the left-hander drops his asking price. The San Diego Padres might be looking to upgrade their rotation after signing Machado.

According to ESPN.com’s Buster Olney, rival executives have wondered if the Nationals might consider signing Kimbrel. The Minnesota Twins could be an option for Kimbrel after signing the likes of Marwin Gonzalez and Nelson Cruz. The Boston Red Sox seem comfortable moving on from the closer.

The Atlanta Braves have been viewed as a possibility for both players, though they won’t give either one a nine-figure contract.

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