MLB rumors: Phillies were in talks with a Cy Young winner

The Philadelphia Phillies reportedly were considering adding a former American League Cy Young winner to a minor league deal, but they never made an offer.

The Philadelphia Phillies haven’t had the greatest start to their season, falling to 0-2 through their first two games. Despite pummeling Texas Rangers ace Jacob deGrom on Opening Day, they lost 11-7. On Saturday, the Phillies were blown out by the Rangers by a hefty score of 16-3.

There are still plenty of games left in the season for them to turn it around but there was some news regarding the Phillies talking about bringing in a former big-time pitcher.

According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Phillies considered signing former Houston Astros ace and American League Cy Young winner Dallas Keuchel to a minor league contract. However, the team never extended an offer to him.

Phillies reportedly considered signing Dallas Keuchel

Keuchel began his career with the Astros, where he solidified his status as one of the AL’s best pitchers. In the 2015 season, Keuchel won the Cy Young award after posting a league-high 20 wins, two shutouts, and a 1.017 WHIP in 232.0 innings pitched.

After the 2018 season, Keuchel departed the franchise in free agency, spending the 2019 season with the Atlanta Braves before joining the Chicago White Sox on a massive three-year, $55.5 million deal. After a strong 2020 campaign, Keuchel’s numbers inflated and he became less effective. By 2022, he was released by the team, where he spent short stints on the Arizona Diamondbacks and Rangers.

Through 14 games between the White Sox, Diamondbacks and Rangers last season, Keuchel recorded a 9.20 ERA, a 2.060 WHIP, 45 strikeouts, and 31 walks in 60.2 innings pitched.

One has to wonder if the Phillies will explore adding Keuchel down the road. All that’s known, per Heyman, is that Philadelphia was interested in him, but never made an offer.