MLB Rumors: Phillies, Reds Vying For Dallas Keuchel, Brewers Are Madison Bumgarner's Top Trade Option

With Patrick Corbin off the market, Dallas Keuchel is the top starting pitcher available in free agency. The Cleveland Indians seem much less likely to deal Corey Kluber than they were at the start of the offseason, potentially making Madison Bumgarner the best starter that could be traded before the 2019 MLB season begins.

Where will Keuchel and Bumgarner end up in the next few weeks?

When it comes to Keuchel, two suitors appear to stand out among the rest. MLB.com’s Jon Morosi named the Philadelphia Phillies and Cincinnati Reds as the teams that are being linked to the free agent.

Cincinnati has made it a priority to upgrade their rotation. The Reds already traded for Tanner Roark and Alex Wood, though both players are set to be free agents after the upcoming season. Keuchel could be Cincinnati’s best starter for the next few years as the team looks to contend for the first time in a long time.

Philadelphia has yet to act like the big spenders they were expected to be this offseason. The Phillies might be looking to see if they can land Manny Machado or Bryce Harper before making an offer to Keuchel.

Keuchel could make close to $100 million after Corbin got a six-year, $140 million contract from the Washington Nationals over a month ago.

A reunion between Keuchel and the Houston Astros might be a long shot. The odds of Bumgarner returning to the team that he played for in 2018 are much higher. The San Francisco Giants might be likely to bring back Bumgarner for Opening Day, but the team is certainly entertaining the idea of trading their ace.

San Francisco has had trade discussions with other teams about Bumgarner. They could wait until the middle of the season to deal the left-hander.

If Bumgarner does get dealt this winter, the Milwaukee Brewers might be his most likely destination. Morosi pegged the NL Central champs as the team with the best shot to acquire the former World Series MVP this offseason.

Minor-league outfielder Corey Ray might be the centerpiece of a deal between Milwaukee and San Francisco. He’s the No.2 prospect in the Brewers’ organization, according to MLB Pipeline.

Bumgarner is set to be one of the top free-agent starters in the 2019-2020 offseason.