MLB rumors: Where will Dallas Keuchel sign (and where should he)?

MLB rumors: 5 teams that should sign Dallas Keuchel

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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TORONTO, ON – MAY 24: Manny Machado #13 of the San Diego Padres shares a laugh with Eric Hosmer #30 during MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on May 24, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /

4. San Diego Padres

The San Diego Padres were loosely linked to Dallas Keuchel after signing All-Star infielder Manny Machado to the biggest deal in franchise history, so the front office and ownership is clearly serious about making a sustained push towards contending every year. Last winter’s Eric Hosmer signing was just the beginning, and the Padres are off to a solid start in Machado’s first season and have an exciting group of budding aces leading their rotation.

At this point, the Padres may be one of the few teams in the market willing to sign Keuchel to a longer-term deal. San Diego isn’t quite to the point where they should be thinking about short-term deals to cement a playoff spot for 2019. The focus this year should be more on getting to August and September above .500 and seeing if a Wild Card is still up for grabs. The Padres should not be maxing out Chris Paddack just to reach a play-in game.

With their moves the past two winters, the Padres are making it clear they are going to be willing to spend whatever it takes to reach contender status. They are following the model of the Chicago Cubs, Philadelphia Phillies and Houston Astros — develop young talent in the minor leagues and then be willing to spend aggressively when the prospects begin reaching the big leagues.

With few teams left ready to consider a four- or five-year deal for a pitcher like Keuchel, the Padres may be able to swoop in and make him a strong offer if they view him as the type of piece that can set them up to win in 2020 and beyond.

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