Report: Executive thinks Keuchel wants 1-year deal for more than QO
Dallas Keuchel remains a free agent over a week into the regular season, and now his contract demands are emerging.
One executive spoke to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, and he's under the impression the left-hander is seeking a one-year contract for more than the $17.9-million qualifying offer Keuchel rejected from the Houston Astros, or he'll take a long-term deal at a lower salary.
It's not clear if any team is offering him either of those options, according to Rosenthal.
Keuchel's already difficult free-agent journey has become even harder now that the season is in progress. Any deal he signs for the 2019 campaign would now be prorated based on when the veteran makes his regular-season debut.
His timetable for being ready to pitch might vary depending on when he signs. Rosenthal notes that the longer Keuchel waits to sign, the more time he may need to prepare for his abbreviated season.
The 2015 Cy Young winner is throwing 95-pitch simulated outings every five days to stay in game shape.
Scott Boras, Keuchel's agent, told MLB Network's Jon Morosi last week that he was talking to "a number of clubs" about his client. However, the extent of the 31-year-old's market is still unknown.
The San Diego Padres, New York Mets, and Milwaukee Brewers were all said to be in contact with Keuchel last week, while the Atlanta Braves were reportedly monitoring him late in spring training.
It was also reported in March that the Astros, Keuchel's team for the past seven seasons, made him a pair of short-term offers.