The New York Yankees have fallen victim to injury all year especially when ace Luis Severino was placed on the 60-day IL. Then, James Paxton went down with a knee injury. At this point, injuries seem inescapable to the Yankee’s roster.
In an attempt to aid these problems, the Yankees should look to sign one more pitcher to utilize a six-man rotation throughout the season. Dallas Keuchel, previously with the Houston Astros for seven years, is currently without a job. Following the 2018 season, Keuchel did not sign with any team; currently making him a free agent.
Amidst all the current injuries, Keuchel could be exactly what the Yankees need. The Bronx Bombers cannot afford another injury in the rotation. With injury histories of Mashiro Tanaka (Elbow), CC Sabathia (Knee), and James Paxton (Knee), the Yankees’ rotation is filled with health question marks. Inclusion of another arm to the rotation would allow each player an extra day of rest, and safeguard the health of the pitchers.
Keuchel’s history
Winning the World Series in 2017 with the Astros, Keuchel is regarded as one of the league’s premier pitchers. Two-time All-Star and one-time Cy Young Award winner, Keuchel is credited with a 3.66 career ERA in 192 games played. He holds a respectable 3.31 ERA in the postseason.
CC’s retirement
Following the 2019 season, CC Sabathia has announced that he will be hanging up his pinstripes. Once CC is gone, Keuchel could potentially fill that void. This could allow the Yankees to reinstate the five-man rotation again unless they decide to keep Domingo German in the rotation once Severino returns.
What kind of contract?
According to MLB Network‘s Jon Heyman, “Dallas Keuchel seems to be flexible in terms of the years. 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.†At 31 years of age, a two to four-year contract seems perfect for both parties.
The Yankees have expressed that if Keuchel is still interested by the time of the draft, he could be finding himself in pinstripes this summer. Any way you look at it, the addition of Dallas Keuchel to the New York Yankees will contribute to the Yankees World Series hopes.