MLB Rumors: Tampa Bay Rays Consider Keuchel Following Glasnow Injury

The Tampa Bay Rays are facing manpower problems right now following the injury that befell Tyler Glasnow. The 25-year-old pitcher will be out four to six weeks after being diagnosed with a mild right forearm strain. As of this writing, Glasnow has been placed on the 10-day injured list.

With this development, the Rays now have a big hole in the starting rotation. And while they have yet to decide, the best Tampa Bay could do right now is check out the available veteran talent in free agency. One name that comes to mind is Dallas Keuchel or even Craig Kimbrel. However, the financial side of things may make negotiations hard, according to the Bleacher Report.

As discussed in a previous post, both Kimbrel and Keuchel are the top free agent pitchers any team can go after. However, most are delaying that since the draft-pick compensation attached to both players will only be nullified by June 3, the day of the draft. If not now, the Rays could be another team waiting to see if either player would still be available.

There are actually several teams interested in signing Keuchel. The New York Yankees have been singled out as one of the teams interested in the 31-year-old southpaw. Other teams linked to Keuchel include his former team, the Houston Astros who are not exactly having a good season. A reunion could turn things around considering they have had their share of problems with their current pitchers.

The Rays may end up paying a hefty price if they are seriously pursuing Keuchel. The former American League Cy Young Award winner made it clear that he is not willing to take a discount in order to sign with a team, likely hinting that he would rather wait and join a team willing to give in to his demands.

"Why succumb to teams that think you're needy and you’re willing to accept a lesser offer than your market value? It's all relative. If you're at work and you're killing your job, nine to five every day, and you get another offer that's less, why would you accept that offer?" said Keuchel in an interview with Yahoo Sports.

Both Keuchel and Kimbrel are seeking six-year deals worth about $18 million. Seeing however there are no takers, both could eventually reconsider taking a one-year deal or stay in the sidelines until some team is ready to shell out a huge investment.