MLB rumors: 5 teams that should sign Dallas Keuchel

1. Tampa Bay Rays

With Dallas Keuchel now on the record that he would be willing to accept a one-year deal, the Tampa Bay Rays need to seriously consider pulling the trigger and making one of their most aggressive, win-now moves since the franchise began fielding a semi-consistent contender. The 2019 Rays might offer ownership their best chance to win a World Series, especially with the Boston Red Sox dealing with inconsistency across the board.

The Rays are taking their “opener” approach to new extremes this year and leading the league with a 2.93 staff ERA through their first 52 games. With Tyler Glasnow on the injured list with a forearm strain, Cy Young winner Blake Snell and Charlie Morton are the only pitchers on the staff operating under a traditional starter job description. Yonny Chirinos is also being stretched out, but has not topped 100 pitches in an appearance yet this year and has only thrown 17.1 innings in four appearances since throwing 7.1 frames on May 4.

To keep pace in the AL East, the Rays have obviously had to get creative with their roster construction, and they now have another excellent opportunity. They may not be able to offer a long-term deal worthy of a pitcher of Keuchel’s pedigree, but for one year, Tampa Bay should be able to go dollar for dollar with most teams (within reason).

Keuchel should also consider the Rays an attractive destination given their pitcher-friendly home stadium and coaching staff’s ability to get the most out of each arm with analytics. Keuchel’s presence would also allow Glasnow to be brought along more slowly when healthy. This could be a huge win for both parties if a deal can get done. The Rays aren’t typically even able to get a seat at the negotiating table with players like Keuchel, but this long free agency presents a different set of circumstances and has given them an opening.