Yankees: Dallas Keuchel says he would shave beard to play for Bombers

Fox Business recently interviewed former AL Cy Young winner, Dallas Keuchel, where he said for the right opportunity, he would happily shave off his beard to play for the Yankees.

Two-time All-Star and AL Cy Young winner, Dallas Keuchel was recently interviewed by Fox Business and said he is open to joining the Yankees, but for the right opportunity. One of the anchors brought it up by asking Keuchel if it’s accurate that he’s talking to the Yankees about pitching for them.

Dallas replied:

"“I think everybody is at play right now. The lure of the city would be really cool. I like pitching at Yankee Stadium. For the right opportunity, I would happily shave this beard off. For sure. It’s all about winning. I’ve made that very clear from Day 1 of my career, starting to this position right now.”"

Keuchel was drafted by the Astros in 2009 — playing nine years for the organization. He received a $17.9 million qualifying offer for 2019, but quickly declined it, making him a free agent.

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He has a career 3.66 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 76-63 record and 945 strikeouts. During the 2018 regular season, Keuchel started 34 games, which was the most games he’s appeared in a season. He posted a 3.74 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and threw 204.2 innings while striking out 153 batters.

Before I go any further, many fans nowadays comment that the Yankees need to remove the no-facial hair policy; I respectfully disagree. The professional grooming standards are something long associated with the Yankees — and is one of the things that separates the organization from the rest.

As for Keuchel and his history of beating the Yankees. During the 2017 regular season, he held the Yanks’ bats to a .217 average, while allowing only five hits in six innings. However, in 2018, things changed as he posted a 5.25 ERA while allowing a .271 BAA and surrendering seven earned runs.

During the 2018 season, both Aaron Hicks and Giancarlo Stanton had success against Keuchel. Stanton hit two home runs and four RBIs while Hicks hit one home run, one RBI and walked four times.

If Keuchel can replicate his production before 2018, then he would be a fantastic fit for the organization. He also made it abundantly clear in the interview, his focus is on winning games, not money.

Should the Yankees and general manager Brian Cashman sign Keuchel this winter, I can see the rotation going something like this:

1. Luis Severino
2. Patrick Corbin (if he signs)
3. Dallas Keuchel
4. Masahiro Tanaka
5. C.C. Sabathia

With a starting rotation like that, you are not only Postseason bound, but chances are, you will make it to the World Series.