MLB Rumors: Yankees, Dallas Keuchel Still Discussing Contract, Cardinals In Play To Sign Free Agent

The New York Yankees are viewed as the favorites to sign Dallas Keuchel now that giving him a contract won’t include forfeiting a draft pick. The team is looking to upgrade their rotation, and the free agent reportedly wants to play in the Bronx.

That doesn’t mean Keuchel is certain to don the pinstripes for the remainder of the 2019 MLB season. Several teams are interested in the veteran, who is still unsigned three days after the draft.

It’s largely been assumed that Keuchel would sign a one-year contract, likely one that’s worth close to a prorated version of the $17.9 million qualifying offer he turned down from the Houston Astros in November. Because the season is nearly 40 percent complete, that would mean signing for around $12 million before hitting free agency, once again, this upcoming offseason.

But Keuchel could still be holding out hope to sign a multi-year deal. He was reportedly trying to land a six or seven-year contract in the offseason. Craig Kimbrel was also a free agent for the first two months of the season, and he reportedly agreed to a three-year contract with the Chicago Cubs Wednesday.

Yankees/Keuchel playing things very close right now. Team has been known to strongly prefer one year deal but unclear if they can be pushed farther. Cashman usually has hard limits on these things and had no interest in DK in offseason. Talks ongoing
— Andy Martino (@martinonyc) June 6, 2019

According to SNY.tv’s Andy Martino, the Yankees are facing competition from the St. Louis Cardinals in their pursuit of Keuchel. It’s unknown if New York would be willing to give the left-hander more than one year if that’s what it would ultimately take to sign him. It might be unlikely since the Yankees didn’t show any interest in Keuchel until it became known that he might accept a short-term offer.

The Cardinals might have a real chance to land Keuchel if they are willing to sign him to a deal that lasts beyond this season. The same goes for the Minnesota Twins and Atlanta Braves, who have been linked to the former AL Cy Young winner.

If Keuchel doesn’t get an offer that lasts through at least the 2021 season, he might be better off signing a one-year deal and looking for a multi-year contract at a more realistic asking price this winter. He reportedly had eyes on a nine-figure contract a few months ago.

Keuchel posted a 3.74 ERA and a 1.31 WHIP with 153 strikeouts and 18 home runs allowed in 204.2 innings last season.