MLB Free Agency Updates On Dallas Keuchel, Michael Brantley, Craig Kimbrel

Three free agents have stood out among the rest in the 2018 MLB offseason, and two are getting most of the attention. Patrick Corbin was rewarded for being the best pitcher on the market with a $140 million contract from the Washington Nationals. Bryce Harper and Manny Machado are a couple of the most sought-after free agents in recent years, and both could earn deals worth more than $300 million.

Only a few teams will be able to acquire superstars this winter. That doesn’t mean the rest of the league can’t significantly upgrade their rosters in free agency. Several All-Stars are available and likely to change uniforms over the course of the next few weeks.

Here are some quick updates on the MLB’s second tier of free agents:

Dallas Keuchel

With Corbin joining the Nationals, Keuchel will get the largest contract of any available starting pitcher. The Cincinnati Reds could make a big run at the left-hander, and the Atlanta Braves are thought to have interest in the veteran, per The Boston Globe. Even though the New York Yankees want to add another frontline starter, there still hasn’t been any reports indicating the team will make him a competitive offer. The Toronto Blue Jays are a possibility, though Keuchel might be out of their price range.

Michael Brantley

Brantley will probably get more money than any position player not named Bryce Harper or Manny Machado. The Cleveland Indians would like to keep the All-Star, but Fancred’s Jon Heyman reports that the team isn’t likely to give him the three-year contract he’s seeking. The outfielder is reportedly exploring the option of also playing first base, which could potentially enhance his value.

Craig Kimbrel

After making the All-Star team in seven of the last eight years, Kimbrel will be the highest-paid reliever this offseason. According to ESPN’s Buster Olney, the closer wants a six-year deal. That might eliminate the chance of a return to the Boston Red Sox for Kimbrel, and Heyman suggests the Red Sox might not even give him five years. MLB.com’s Jon Morosi has said the Philadelphia Phillies are interested in Kimbrel.