Levine: Cubs to Land Keuchel During Winter Meetings?
This is a change-up! For weeks we’ve discussed how the Chicago Cubs need to shed salary and trade players in order to do anything. Well, Monday morning in the Mully and Haugh show on 670-The Score, Baseball Insider, Bruce Levine suggested that the Cubs would sign Dallas Keuchel.
Now, understand the context. David Haugh and Mike Mulligan pushed Bruce for a prediction in which Chicago team does something first. As he was pushed, he mentioned Keuchel as an option for both teams. But he reiterated that Keuchel makes a ton of sense, and fits in for the Cubs.
What is interesting, this came directly after a conversation about trading Kris Bryant. Since the Ricketts have virtually declared that the Cubs will not go over the $208 million tax threshold, trading Bryant and the expected $18.5 million he should be awarded in arbitration is the most logical trade option.
We have heard that the Cubs aren’t even negotiating with low-cost free agents, but somehow they’ll sign Keuchel? Before a trade is made?
In the past, there have been insiders that have passed rumors they’ve heard but haven’t confirmed in this manner. They don’t want to attach their name to an official report, but have heard enough to at least spout something like this out. Coincidentally, Tim Stebbins of NBC Sports made this connection last week.
Stebbins continues to mention that Keuchel could net a very reasonable $13 million AAV deal.
Personally, I think Keuchel is a fit – but I don’t want him.
Keuchel has multiple All-Star Game appearances. Four Gold Gloves, a Cy Young and a championship. Owns a 3.33 ERA, 3.58 FIP and 1.198 WHIP since 2014. Durable as it gets, finding himself in the Injured List once, ever.
How can I say I don’t want this guy?
This stems from his comments on the difference between the Cubs and Houston Astros after the ‘Stros won the World Series. When he was asked about the World Series hangover and he replied, “we’re not the Cubs, I firmly believe we have better players.”
So yes, I’m being a meathead fan when I say that. Up until that time I really liked Keuchel, and secretly after as well. But PRINCIPAL!!!
As Theo Epstein suggested, take this rumor with a grain of salt. I still think a trade needs to be made before they can sign anyone. So till then, it’s all noise.
