The "stupid" money of the Philadelphia Phillies has found its boundary.
After reportedly agreeing to a 13-year, $330-million contract with Bryce Harper, the Phillies reportedly remain unlikely to sign either left-handed pitcher Dallas Keuchel or closer Craig Kimbrel, unless either free agent suddenly prefers a short-term deal, according to Todd Zolecki of MLB.com.
The Phillies have now spent the most of any team this offseason, committing more than $470 million in payroll. On free agents alone, the club has committed $403 million, including notable deals for Andrew McCutchen and David Robertson.
Interest in the 31-year-old Keuchel has been remarkably scant. The former Cy Young winner is coming off his third 200-plus inning season, authoring a 3.74 ERA and 3.69 FIP over 34 starts with the Houston Astros. Keuchel was considered one of the top starters in free agency this offseason along with fellow left-hander Patrick Corbin, who landed a six-year, $140-million contract with the Washington Nationals earlier this winter.
Meanwhile, Kimbrel has reportedly been seeking a record-breaking six-year deal, which would become the longest contract ever secured by a closer. The 30-year-old threw 62 1/3 innings last year, recording 42 saves while posting a 2.74 ERA and 3.13 FIP as a member of the World Series-winning Boston Red Sox.
Both Keuchel and Kimbrel were tendered $17.9-million qualifying offers from their incumbent clubs, tying them to draft-pick compensation.
