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MLB rumors: 5 teams that should sign Dallas Keuchel

By Joshua Sadlock

HOUSTON, TX - OCTOBER 16: Dallas Keuchel #60 of the Houston Astros pitches in the first inning during Game 3 of the ALCS against the Boston Red Sox at Minute Maid Park on Tuesday, October 16, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Loren Elliott/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - OCTOBER 16: Dallas Keuchel #60 of the Houston Astros pitches in the first inning during Game 3 of the ALCS against the Boston Red Sox at Minute Maid Park on Tuesday, October 16, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Loren Elliott/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /
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With the MLB Draft a few days away, Dallas Keuchel should finally receive a serious contract offer.

Next week, all 30 MLB teams will gather for their yearly draft. That’s great for all of the high schoolers and college studs who will hear their names called and realize a lifelong dream is one step closer to coming true. It’s also great news for Dallas Keuchel and Craig Kimbrel, two All-Stars who have gone unsigned because no team is willing to surrender a draft pick to sign them. The owners will all claim the players simply had unreasonable contract expectations, but as soon as the dust settles on the draft, both players will have contract offers to mull over.

Keuchel has been more willing to discuss what he is seeking in a deal than Kimbrel, and according to ESPN’s Buster Olney will consider a one-year deal around the qualifying offer of $18 million. That’s a far cry from the $25-30 million he was seeking in the winter. Keuchel likely did overprice himself to a degree, but he is a proven winner, Cy Young and established postseason performer.

A willingness to accept a one-year deal certainly makes Keuchel a much more interesting name at this point of the season. For a prorated $18 million over the final four months of the season and into the playoffs, every team within shouting distance of a playoff spot should be attempting to sign him. At worst, Keuchel becomes a trade chip for a team that falls out of contention by the end of July.

PHILADELPHIA, PA – MAY 18: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies is congratulated by Rhys Hoskins #17 after he hit a home run during the first inning of a game against the Colorado Rockies at Citizens Bank Park on May 18, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – MAY 18: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies is congratulated by Rhys Hoskins #17 after he hit a home run during the first inning of a game against the Colorado Rockies at Citizens Bank Park on May 18, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

5. Philadelphia Phillies

With the Washington Nationals floundering and sliding further below .500 by the week, the race for the NL East is down to the Philadelphia Phillies and Atlanta Braves. The Phillies hold an early lead, and have not even gotten much out of All-Star Bryce Harper. Rhys Hoskins, a scrappy lineup and solid rotation have gotten the Phils to first place, but will that be enough to keep them there, especially if Harper’s bat never wakes up?

The Phillies were in a similar situation last summer before fading down the stretch. By signing Harper and giving up a huge haul to land All-Star catcher J.T. Realmuto, the front office sent a clear signal that the time to return to the playoffs is now. It will be considered a failure if the Phillies do not return to the postseason this year.

Philadelphia does have a respectable starting rotation, but it is by no means a dominant force. Surprisingly, Aaron Nola has been inconsistent and has a 4.53 ERA through 11 starts. Jake Arrieta, Zach Eflin and Jared Eickhoff have been strong, but all faded in the second half last year. That cannot happen again if the Phillies are going to make the playoffs. The Braves are too good and the NL Central is too deep to count on a Wild Card being a back door into the dance.

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