Yankees rumored as “true favorites” to sign Dallas Keuchel

While the baseball world occupies itself with the MLB Draft, another major storyline is unfolding. Dallas Keuchel’s free agency is finally heating up, and recent rumors have the Yankees right in the middle of things.

Mark Feinsand reported pair of rumors that will catch the attention of Yankees fans. He first indicated that the Yankees and Braves were in the lead, each preparing similar offers to the left-hander. He then further reported that a second source told him the Yankees are the “true favorites” to land Keuchel.

And yes, before you ask, the 31-year-old is willing to shave his beard to pitch for the Yankees.

Keuchel finished the 2018 season having pitched to a 3.74 ERA (3.69 FIP) with a 53.7% groundball rate. Considered a workhorse starter, he logged 204.2 innings before hitting free agency. The Astros made Keuchel the qualifying offer, which attached draft pick compensation to the left-hander and stalled out his market. Now that the pick has expired, bidding has intensified.

Can the two sides come to an agreement? What kind of a contract can the left-hander expect? Will Keuchel sign during the MLB Draft? We’ll find out soon enough, as it sounds like the sweepstakes is drawing to a close.