MLB Rumors 2018: Top Suitors Emerging For Dallas Keuchel, Patrick Corbin

When the 2018-2019 MLB offseason finally comes to an end, Patrick Corbin and Dallas Keuchel will likely have received the most lucrative contracts of any starting pitchers in free agency. While plenty of teams have interest in the left-handers, there might only be a few realistic destinations for each player.

It might only be a two-team race for Corbin. He met with the Philadelphia Phillies Wednesday and the New York Yankees Thursday, listening to pitches from the teams that might have the most money to spend this offseason.

Philadelphia is reportedly targeting Corbin, Bryce Harper and Manny Machado, all of whom could enter the 2019 season with a combined $750 million in newly signed deals. New York might be the most logical destination for Machado, but they are trying to acquire Corbin as they make improving the starting rotation their top priority.

Corbin could get a six-year offer that tops the $126 million Yu Darvish got from the Chicago Cubs last offseason. Philadelphia might be more willing to make Corbin an outrageous offer, though the 29-year-old is from Central New York and grew up a Yankees’ fan.

Fancred’s Jon Heyman has reported that Keuchel has interest in playing in a big city like New York or Los Angeles, but it could be a small-market team that makes him the best offer. According to Heyman, the Cincinnati Reds are “all over” Keuchel this offseason.

The Reds are looking to improve a roster that’s been one of MLB’s worst over the last several seasons. Cincinnati went 67-95 in the 2018 season, winning fewer than 70 games for the fourth straight year.

Cincinnati could target Corbin, as well, though they would probably be a long shot to land him.

Corbin had a 3.15 ERA, a 1.05 WHIP and 246 strikeouts in 200 innings for the Arizona Diamondbacks last season. Keuchel had a 3.74 ERA, a 1.31 WHIP and 153 strikeouts in 204.2 innings with the Houston Astros.