Since 2015 Keuchel and Gonzalez have provided similar value, racking up 13.6 and 11.9 in bWAR respectively, but Keuchel, who was the AL Cy Young winner in 2015, is widely considered to be the better player, which equals a bigger price tag.
It was reported in December by MLB Trade Rumors that Keuchel was looking for a “lofty” 5-year deal; you also have to keep in mind that his agent is Scott Boras. Because of this, it would only be worth it for the Yankees to take on Keuchel if they viewed him as more than just a band-aid to cover for Severino.
This seems unlikely. If the New York Yankees thought of Keuchel as a viable addition to the staff, then it stands to reason that they would have already signed him.
Still, it’s fun to think about.
Even once Severino returns CC Sabathia’s status as a regular starter for 2019 is questionable, and a rotation of Severino, James Paxton, Masahiro Tanaka, J.A. Happ, and Keuchel with whatever Sabathia can be sprinkled in would be naaaaasty.
This would bring the Yankees arguably the best rotation and the best bullpen in baseball, which paired with their overpowered offense, would make them unbeatable on paper. Of course, we don’t live on paper, and, coincidentally, the Yankees don’t seem to want to spend much more paper. The super-rotation might have to remain a pipe dream.
Which brings us to the next question: how might Gio Gonzalez fit?