Who Are the Favorites to Sign Keuchel, Kimbrel? Is Now the Time to Bet on Them?

• The Twins, Yankees, Rays, and Astros are all in the mix for one or both of Dallas Keuchel and Craig Kimbrel
• Keuchel is a two-time All Star and Cy Young Award winner
• Kimbrel has a career WAR of 20.1 and 333 career saves

With the MLB set enter its third month tomorrow, two high-priced free agents still remain unsigned. Left-hander Dallas Keuchel and right-hander Craig Kimbrel have not seen any action in 2019 but that could change after the MLB draft on Wednesday, June 5th.

The contracts offered to Keuchel and Kimbrel were tied to draft compensation because of MLB rules, and that may have hampered teams ability to sign them. Once the draft happens, these rules no longer apply and we should see some increased interest in signing them.

Given the way the odds look for Major League Baseball’s Divisional and World Series futures right now, it’s interesting to consider where Keuchel and Kimbrel may land when the dust settles.

2019 World Series Odds

*Odds taken 06/01/19

Astros Could Further Bolster a Potent Lineup

The Houston Astros made Keuchel a one-year, $17.9 million qualifying offer in November and the Red Sox did the same for Kimbrel.

Sportsbooks list the Astros’ World Series odds at +350. We know Charlie Morton went to free agency and the Astros lost Lance McCullers Jr. for the season following Tommy John surgery. Wade Miley and Brad Peacock have done well this season. Collin McHugh is not in the rotation now but the Astros do have several good prospects. Is Houston aware of a hidden injury or physical issue regarding Keuchel that no one else knows about? Could that be why they won’t sign him?

While emphasizing that no deals are done and other teams are involved, people involved continue to say that the Yankees are very well-positioned to land Dallas Keuchel next week. One of the frontrunners.

— Andy Martino (@martinonyc) May 30, 2019

The Yankees have had a terrible time with injuries and Keuchel makes a lot of sense for them. Rumor has an $8 to 12 million dollar, one-year deal.

CC Sabathia has been in trouble with his knee. Luis Severino likely won’t be available until after the All Star Game in July. Domingo German is available but could be limited in his innings.  James Paxton was back Wednesday after his IL stint and looks ready to go.

Twins, Rays Could Be in on Keuchel and Kimbrel Too

The Twins have been a big surprise this season so much so that they now hold a 10.5-game lead over Cleveland in the AL Central.

.@Twins place RHP Michael Pineda (right knee tendinitis) on 10-day IL; select LHP Devin Smeltzer from Triple-A Rochester.

— MLBRosterMoves (@MLBRosterMoves) May 28, 2019

Keuchel kind of works for the Twins, who are second in American League ERA for starters. That would mean moving number-5 man in the rotation, Michael Pineda, to the bullpen, which may or may not work for the former Yankee.

BACK ON TRACK! #MNTwins pic.twitter.com/VWc8laZvfK

— FOX Sports North (@fsnorth) June 1, 2019

Kimbrel on the other hand is a great fit for a Twins bullpen, which has an ERA of 4.48.

Both players are going to suffer from a long layoff and may not have good stuff to start but a reliever like Kimbrel should have an easier time since he is only pitching one inning on average.

Tampa Bay Rays Looking for an Edge to Improve Their Odds

The Tampa Bay Rays figure in the AL East race, with their odds to win it all at +1400. They are a small-market team who would be in tough to outbid the Yankees to land Keuchel.

Our six game winning streak comes to an end. https://t.co/odVAGvft5H #RaysUp pic.twitter.com/L9J9FwAcww

— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) June 1, 2019

The Rays do have 35-year-old Charlie Morton under a hefty long-term contract. They may not want more high-priced talent. The Rays have Tyler Glasnow  on the IL and Yonny Chirinos; Jalen Beeks and Ryan Yarbrough are 4-0 with a 2.90 ERA since Glasnow was hurt.

The Best Bet

Given their deep pockets and winning ways, the Yankees are the best bet for Keuchel. With so many injuries, they are in need of starting help and have prospects to burn.

Kimbrel looks to fit well with the Twins, who could use an established ninth-inning arm to consolidate their status as true contenders.