Dallas Keuchel has at least two suitors a couple of weeks into spring training.
The Astros remain in touch with Keuchel and the Phillies are interested as well, according to a report from Fancred Sports.
Astros understandably like their team but they’re said still in touch with Dallas Keuchel, who received 3 calls the day Harper got done. Phillies are also in and could solidify their favorite status by importing star lefty, tho with prospects coming they’re preferring short term.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 6, 2019
ESPN reiterated Thursday what Fancred reported about the Astros and added that the two sides were "not close to a deal".
Astros have had recent dialogue with Dallas Keuchel about a possible deal, but as of last night, not close to a deal
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) March 7, 2019
Philadelphia prefers to offer Keuchel a short-term deal, the report says.
Houston is also offering a shorter deal as the team has given offers of one or two years to the lefty, according to The Athletic.
#Astros have made both one- and two-year offers to free-agent left-hander Dallas Keuchel, sources tell The Athletic. Offers not in range Keuchel is seeking. Desired terms not known.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) March 7, 2019
Keuchel, 31, went 12-11 with a 3.74 ERA last season and won the 2015 American League Cy Young award with the Astros. He has spent his entire career in Houston and was offered a one-year, $17.9 million qualifying offer by the team after the season.
He turned it down. Now, any team that signs Keuchel must surrender a draft pick. What selection a team gives up depends on how much money Keuchel signs for.