MLB Rumors: Yankees, Dallas Keuchel Remain Apart On Contract, Twins, Cardinals, Rays Among Suitors

Dallas Keuchel Houston Astros — Dallas Keuchel #60 of the Houston Astros pitches in the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at Minute Maid Park on September 19, 2018 in Houston, Texas. Bob Levey/Getty Images

The clock is now ticking on Dallas Keuchel’s free agency. Even though the pitcher has been seeking a new contract for more than half a year, he’s finally expected to land with a team sooner rather than later.

MLB teams had been waiting for June 3 to come since they no longer have to forfeit a draft pick in order to sign Keuchel. When the veteran remained unsigned at the start of the 2019 season, it exponentially increased the likelihood that he would agree to a one-year deal with a World Series contender.

The New York Yankees are at the top of the list of potential destinations for Keuchel. They are reportedly looking to upgrade their rotation, and they’ve got money to spend as they make a push toward the playoffs.

Rumors of a potential union between Keuchel and the Yankees have ramped up in recent weeks. That doesn’t necessarily mean a deal will get done. Keuchel’s asking price is reportedly still one that New York isn’t ready to match.

Yankees say Keuchel would have to shave his signature beard if he signed w/them, and he’s said he’s willing to do so. However, the Yanks — considered favorites to sign DK w/ Braves and Cards — as of early today still were thought apart on $. Twins, Crew, Rays other possibilities.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) June 3, 2019

In 3 hours Keuchel and Kimbrel can sign w/o the signing team losing a draft choice. Rumors of Keuchel seeking just the Qualifying Offer prorated ($11-12M) are unfounded. If that’s all either sought, both would be signed, GMs say. In other words, that’s there but they seek more. https://t.co/3WThmXuDRE
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) June 3, 2019

I asked Scott Boras if he expects a quick resolution on Dallas Keuchel.

“The wine has to decant,” Boras told me.

_⚾️ @MLBNetwork @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) June 3, 2019

Keuchel was reportedly looking for a deal of at least six years worth at least $25 million per season when last offseason began. It’s expected that he’ll sign a contract that allows him to hit free agency in a few months as he continues to seek a multi-year deal.

Because Keuchel turned down a $17.9 million qualifying offer from the Houston Astros in November, it’s been speculated that he might sign a prorated contract worth relatively the same amount of money. That would mean getting paid around $12 million for the final four months of the 2019 season, though it appears that Keuchel isn’t yet ready to settle for that price.

The Yankees don’t need to turn to Keuchel for help in the rotation. They could make a trade with the Toronto Blue Jays and San Francisco Giants reportedly getting ready to move their best pitchers before the July 31 deadline.

The Tampa Bay Rays, Minnesota Twins and St. Louis Cardinals are thought to be contenders for Keuchel.

Tampa Bay and Minnesota have been the biggest surprises in baseball. Now that they could be real title contenders, the teams might be willing to increase their payroll for the 2019 season in hopes of winning a championship.

Major league baseball