Report: Astros, Phillies still in touch with Keuchel

With Opening Day just around the corner, the market for Dallas Keuchel - one of the last remaining high-profile free agents - might finally be heating up.

Keuchel reportedly received three phone calls the day Bryce Harper signed in Philadelphia, according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network. The Houston Astros - his employer for the past seven seasons - remain in touch with the 2015 American League Cy Young winner, and the Phillies are also still in on him, Heyman reports.

The identity of a possible third team that called him is not known.

Keuchel's rejection of the Astros' qualifying offer appeared to end his tenure in Houston. But it was reported in January that the team still had interest in re-signing him, and his prolonged free agency might help bring them back together.

Last month, Astros owner Jim Crane appeared to allude to possible interest in Keuchel during an interview with Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle, though he declined to comment when asked if an offer was on the table.

Houston already faces some concerns with its rotation this spring, as Josh James - formerly a front-runner for the No. 5 spot - is dealing with a quadriceps injury.

As for the Phillies, they prefer that any deal with the lefty be short term, as they want to have room for their pitching prospects who may reach the majors in the coming seasons, according to Heyman.

The Phillies have also already spent over $400 million on free agents this winter.

Keuchel posted a 3.74 ERA and 1.31 WHIP while allowing a league-worst 211 hits last season. Still, the 31-year-old tossed over 200 innings for the first time since being crowned the AL's best pitcher in 2015 and also won his fourth Gold Glove award.