Report: Phillies Pursuing Keuchel, ‘Unwilling’ to Meet 5-Year Contract Request

By Matt Rappa, Sports Talk Philly editor

The Philadelphia Phillies still want to add a high-end southpaw starting pitcher to their rotation to complement Aaron Nola and Jake Arrieta. Patrick Corbin and J.A. Happ were thought to be the most likely to assume the role, however both signed elsewhere.

According to MLB.com's Jon Morosi on Friday, the Phillies are now pursuing 2015 American League Cy Young Award winner, two-time All-Star, four-time Gold Glove Award winner and 2017 World Series champion, Dallas Keuchel. However, the club is reportedly "unwilling" to meet the left-hander's request of a five-year contract.

Keuchel, who will turn 31 on New Years Day, has gone 67-45 with a 3.28 ERA and 1.177 WHIP over the last five seasons, tossing no fewer than 23 starts in a season. Keuchel recorded an American League-best 20 wins, two shutouts, 232 innings, and a 1.017 WHIP during his Cy Young Award season.

The Phillies similarly were reportedly unwilling to go the extra year to acquire Corbin and Happ. It will be interesting to see, being later on in the offseason, if the Phillies will ultimately give in to acquire Keuchel.