Andy Martino, SNY.tv | Twitter |
The Yankees were only ever interested in taking a flier on Dallas Keuchel, and their highest bid was a prorated version of the one-year, $17.9 million qualifying offer, according to major league sources.
He signed with the Atlanta Braves for more: one year, $13 million - not prorated - per Tim Brown of Yahoo! Sports.
Now, the Yankees are pivoting to the trade market, with Clint Frazier as their most marketable piece. Expect the young outfielder to be mentioned in many discussions over the next several weeks.
Because of concerns about Keuchel's durability and declining peripheral statistics, the Yankees had no interest in a multi-year deal. They viewed him as a flier, capable of either succeeding or pitching poorly.
The Yankees' initial bid to agent Scott Boras was lower than $17.9 million. They upped the offer to that level, but it was still not enough to top the Braves.