MLB Rumors: Astros Interested In Signing Dallas Keuchel, Phillies Linked To Top Free-Agent Pitcher

Bryce Harper and Manny Machado aren’t the only notable free agents that remain unsigned. Dallas Keuchel is still looking for a contract with a few weeks left until the start of 2019 spring training.

Patrick Corbin began the offseason as the most sought-after starting pitcher, but Keuchel is the most accomplished one. He was an All-Star for the World Series champion Houston Astros in 2017, and the left-hander won the AL Cy Young award just two years prior.

Keuchel, 31, rejected a $17.9 million qualifying offer from the Astros in November. It had largely been assumed that the pitcher would sign a lucrative deal elsewhere, but now that his free agency has lasted nearly three months, a reunion between Houston and Keuchel seems like a possibility.

Houston had the best offense in baseball when they won the title two years ago. Last season, it was the team’s rotation that powered them to 103 wins and an appearance in the ALCS. The Astros had the No.1 pitching staff in all of baseball, led by a 3.16 ERA from their starters.

Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole are both returning after top-five finishes in the AL Cy Young race. Forty percent of the rotation won’t make starts for Houston in 2019 since Charlie Morton signed with the Tampa Bay Rays and Lance McCullers Jr. has undergone Tommy John Surgery.

When Corbin received $140 million from the Washington Nationals, it might have put Keuchel’s asking price north of $100 million and out of Houston’s price range. It seems clear that the veteran hasn’t received such an offer. Maybe the Astros will try to work out a deal to make sure they don’t lose yet another starter.

The Cincinnati Reds have been rumored to have interest in Keuchel this offseason. The pitcher has been linked to the Philadelphia Phillies, though it’s unknown if the team will spend big money on another player after signing either Harper or Machado.

The idea that Philadelphia is willing to spend “stupid” money might allow them to give out a few big contracts. Even after it was reported that the Phillies planned to make a strong push to sign Harper last week, USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported that Philadelphia might have plans to sign Harper and Keuchel for a monster offseason.

Keuchel posted a 3.74 ERA with 153 strikeouts in 204.2 innings last season. He allowed a league-high 211 hits, though he faced more batters than anyone for the second time in four years.