The Braves were linked to Dallas Keuchel again late last night. This time by Jon Heyman an insider for the MLB Network.
Braves seem to have Keuchel atop their wish list. Seek 1 starter, 1 reliever and 1 outfielder.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 10, 2018
That prompted a response from MLB.com’s Mark Bowman reminding us all that the Braves have not had contact with Keuchel or his representatives. This was the exact same thing he said when the Keuchel rumors began to flourish a little over a week ago.
Nothing has changed with the Braves regarding Dallas Keuchel. They have not had any discussions regarding Keuchel.
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) December 10, 2018
Instead of Bowman and Heyman duking it out with each other- like we all wanted to see- Heyman cleared things up by admitting that while the Braves would love to add Keuchel, there has yet to be any sort of contact between the two sides. He also included several other interesting bits of information.
Braves are also one of many to have checked in on Happ and a trade for Indians starters Kluber and Bauer. Keuchel is on their radar and they’d love him, though they are not currently engaged with him as they are value hunting and presumably figure he will cost (and take awhile).
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 10, 2018
This seems much more in tune with what is actually going on rather than the Braves being close to inking a deal with anyone- let alone Keuchel. While it may hurt for some fans to come to terms with, the Braves don’t have a lot of money left to spend in free agency. Keuchel is an option, but only if his market is considerably colder than that of Patrick Corbin’s. If the Braves are going to acquire a top-of-the-line starting pitcher, it’s much more likely to come through a trade- like one with the Indians.