The New York Mets and Dallas Keuchel still might be a match made in heaven after the lefty starter has turned down “numerous deals.”
The New York Mets are starting to slide into the abyss of the National League East. After starting off the season with nine wins in their first 13 games, the Metropolitans have faltered in a big way. They now sit with a disappointing 16-19 record and have dropped nine of their last 12 games.
Perhaps general manager Brodie Van Wagenen will need to look to the free agent market for reinforcements. Former Cy Young winner Dallas Keuchel might be the perfect fit. In fact, the lefty ace has turned down multiple offers and still remains an option for New York.
“I lead the ship,” he said to Tim Brown of Yahoo Sports. “Scott will give me information in general. He gives me necessary information for me to make a knowledgeable decision on my future. … And if it were up to him I would probably be signed at this point. He wants me out there throwing, pitching, and putting up stats that are quality major league stats. I told him no on numerous deals because it’s about principle. It’s about fair market value. And I wasn’t getting that.”
It’s likely that Keuchel will wait until after June 5 to sign. If a team signs him before that date, they’ll be forced to give up a compensatory draft pick.
“When people tweet at me, saying, ‘Hey, quit being the Le’Veon Bell of baseball,’ it is a funny line,” Keuchel said. “But he stood up for himself. He stood up for his well-being. And I’m standing up for my well-being as well. It’s about principle in both situations. Now, I’m not looking to sit out this whole year. I wasn’t looking to sit out at all. But we are in this situation right now. I would love to sign tomorrow. I would love to sign right now. Or, I might have to wait until this draft pick comes off me. Whatever happens, happens. I’m not going to dwell on it. I’m going to be ready to go. That’s me right now.”
Keuchel seems like he’s in no hurry to sign. He seems to feel like he has a strong handle on what he’s worth and he’s prepared to stick to his guns.
However, injury issues have plagued the starting rotation in Flushing. If the Mets continue to watch the season slip away, they may feel the need to make a splash and sign Keuchel.
