So, this is a weird connection for the Cubs at least, as it doesn't really line up with the reports that they won't be spending big in free agency once again. Yet, they are in need of starting pitching help and so are the White Sox, who were recently turned down by Zack Wheeler and are in the market for two starters.
According to 670 The Score's Bruce Levine, both Chicago clubs are interested in 31-year-old free agent Dallas Keuchel.
Via 670 The Score.
For the first time in recent memory, the Cubs and White Sox have similar interests in some free agents.
Left-hander Dallas Keuchel is the latest free agent to receive real interest from the two clubs, sources said. Keuchel, who turns 32 in January, posted a 3.75 ERA and 1.37 WHIP in 19 starts for the Braves in 2019, when he didn't sign until June.
Both teams have also shown interest in Nick Castellanos, but again, not much happening with the Cubs.
As for Keuchel, he's clearly number three in the trio of left-handed starting pitchers left in free agency. However, as we've seen so far this winter the market for pitchers is booming, with Wheeler signing for $118 million, Stephen Strasburg going back to the Nationals for a record-setting $245 million and Gerrit Cole now looking at possibly $300 million.
Hyun-jin Ryu has plenty of interest and Madison Bumgarner, as crazy as it sounds, is asking for a $100 million deal too.
So, if the White Sox don't sign one of those two, the next best option would be Keuchel. It makes sense for them, as they do have Lucas Giolitio as the ace, but Dylan Cease struggled in his rookie season, Michael Kopech is coming back from Tommy John surgery and so is Carlos Rodon, while Reynaldo Lopez hasn't been consistent and has a 4.67 ERA in his career. Certainly lots of potential in the rotation, but at this point lots of question marks too.
As for the Cubs? Yeah, they need at least one starter heading into 2020, and will have a few more spots open going into 2021. But again, the latest rumors from the Winter Meetings have the Cubs desperate to move money first just to negotiate with lower tier free agents.
Keuchel will still get a long-term deal and I just don't see how he fits into the Cubs' current plans that include possibly trading Kris Bryant.
