MLB Rumors: Dallas Keuchel's Asking Price Extended His Free Agency, Phillies Among Short-Term Options

Opening Day for the 2019 MLB season is only three weeks away, and one of the offseason's best free agents is still available. Dallas Keuchel remains unsigned, and it’s unclear if that will change anytime soon.

Teams like the Philadelphia Phillies and Atlanta Braves have been linked to Keuchel over the last few months, but there haven’t been rumors of a deal being close. Much of that has to do with the starting pitcher’s asking price, which appears to be much higher than what suitors are willing to pay him.

ESPN’s Buster Olney recently noted on his "Baseball Tonight" podcast that agent Scott Boras began the offseason seeking a six or seven-year contract for Keuchel that would pay him between $25 million and $30 million per season. It’s clear that no team has come close to meeting that asking price.

Patrick Corbin was considered to be the top starting pitcher in free agency after finishing fifth in the NL Cy Young voting. He was given a six-year contract with a $23.3 million average annual value by the Washington Nationals. Yu Darvish got the most money of any starter last offseason when he signed a six-year contract worth $21 million per year with the Chicago Cubs.

Keuchel is 31 years old and not a hard thrower, which has seemingly hurt his value on the open market, despite a successful career with the Houston Astros. He posted a sub-3.00 ERA in both 2015 and 2017. Keuchel had a 3.74 ERA in 2018.

There’s no doubt that Keuchel has since lowered his asking price, though it’s uncertain what kind of contract he would settle for. Nathan Eovaldi inked a four-year, $68 million contract with the Boston Red Sox a few months ago, and he hasn’t put up the same numbers as Keuchel in recent years.

Jake Arrieta waited until mid-March to sign a three-year, $75 million contract with Philadelphia last offseason. Perhaps Keuchel would agree to a short-term contract with a high AAV at this point in the winter.

The Phillies and Braves are reportedly only interested in signing Keuchel to a short-term deal. The Minnesota Twins would only want the left-hander on a one-year contract, according to The Minnesota Star Tribune.

Keuchel could potentially re-sign with the Astros, though it might have to be at a discount after he turned down Houston’s $17.9 million qualifying offer. The Cincinnati Reds were linked to Keuchel earlier this offseason, but nothing ever materialized.

The New York Yankees are still considering signing another starting pitcher, but they are unlikely to go after Keuchel.