Any chance Dallas Keuchel signs with the Brewers?

It feels like we’ve been writing about rumors linking Dallas Keuchel to the Milwaukee Brewers for years. Is there any chance Keuchel lands the long term deal he’s believed to want with the Brewers?

Free agents such as Julio Teheran and Gio Gonzalez have found new teams, so why can’t Dallas Keuchel find the multi-year deal he’s been searching for? Is there any chance he slots in behind Brandon Woodruff in the Brewers rotation, or does the rumor mill have him signing elsewhere?

How did Keuchel perform in 2019?

Keuchel didn’t sign with the Atlanta Braves until after the 2019 draft, and the results weren’t great. He made 19 starts in Atlanta, and compiled an 8-8 record. He managed a 3.75 ERA in 112 2/3 innings of work. Keuchel also struck out 91, walked 39, and was tagged for 16 homers.

Keuchel’s velocity was down slightly from his career average, but he’s only 31 years old. The dip in speed is more likely due to his lack of a proper build up in the spring and half a summer off from real game action.

What kind of deal is Keuchel pursuing?

Keuchel has Scott Boras as his agent, so he’s looking to get every last nickel, and rightfully so.

MLBTradeRumors has Keuchel projected for a three-year deal worth $39 million, while FanGraphs has Keuchel pegged at three years for $45 million. However, after Madison Bumgarner signed a five-year deal worth $85 million, the other top free agent pitchers’ expectations likely went up. Keuchel could be looking for a fourth year and additional dollars. It wouldn’t be a huge shock to see Keuchel get a deal closer to $56 million for four years when it’s all said and done.

Which teams are after Keuchel?

It’s believed that the Chicago White Sox and Los Angeles Angels had the most interest in Keuchel, but both teams just added veteran starters to their rotation. The Angels signing of Teheran may take them out of the running for Keuchel’s services, but the White Sox could still look to add Keuchel to the mix.

Any rumors linking Keuchel to Milwaukee?

There aren’t any specific rumors linking Keuchel to the Milwaukee Brewers, but he would make their rotation look a lot stronger behind Woodruff. The Brewers do already have a pair of lefties in their rotation with Eric Lauer and Brett Anderson, but it’s hard to see both making 30+ starts in a full season. Last year proved the importance of starting pitching depth, and the Brewers are dangerously thin in their rotation.

The Brewers are believed to be $25 million under last year’s budget with a lot fewer holes on their active roster than there were a month ago. They could add one marquee signing like Keuchel, and still have money to round out their bullpen. Keuchel fits their budget and adds the veteran presence their rotation currently lacks. It’s also important to note that GM David Stearns doesn’t have a leaky organization. The news of signings and trades rarely gets announced more than a few hours ahead of time, and rumors are often sparse. A lack of rumors for the Brewers doesn’t necessarily indicate a lack of interest.