Dallas Keuchel still remains on the free agent market, and that could be the case throughout May as well.
With Keuchel rejecting his $17.9 million qualifying offer with the Astros, he is now tied to draft compensation. Teams who are interested in signing the lefty starter would have to give up their highest draft pick after their first-rounder (if a team has more than one first-round pick, the top pick is exempt).
According to MLB Network's Jon Heyman, the Yankees are among those teams interested in Keuchel, but only following that Draft. He spoke on his radio.com podcast "Big Time Baseball" with Josh Lewin to explain what he has heard.
"I do think that the Yankees are a team that once that draft pick is gone -- and I'm speculating to some degree here but not completely -- the Yankees are a team that would be interested in Keuchel if they did not have to give up that No. 38 pick overall," he explained. "The Yankees like their picks, they've done great with their picks."
So, let's say the Yankees pick at No. 38. What would the price be for Keuchel to join the rotation? Well, Heyman believes he will be flexible with whatever team comes calling, and a one-year deal isn't off the table.
"Dallas Keuchel seems to be flexible in terms of the years," Heyman said. "He seems to be OK with a one-year deal if it's at the right number. I think he was looking to replicate that qualifying offer which was $17.9 million."
If this is the Yankees' plan, there is still a full month to see how the team's rotation will shake out. James Paxton, who will pitch on Friday when they return to the Bronx, seems to have shaken off the rust early this season. J.A. Happ also seems to have turned a corner after his seven-inning shutout against the Giants last time out.
But with Masahiro Tanaka's inconsistency and Luis Severino not returning until around or after the All-Star break, the Yankees may want an upgrade. And if Keuchel -- a player with a great postseason track record and a former Astros ace -- is still on the market at that time, they could be the frontrunners who call.