MLB rumors: Dallas Keuchel to Yankees? ‘For the right opportunity, I would happily shave this beard off’

Houston Astros left-hander Dallas Keuchel is one of the best pitchers available in free agency. New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman is expected to look at the 2015 American League Cy Young Award winner as he upgrades the rotation for 2019. Cashman also is expected to look at Patrick Corbin and J.A. Happ.

Houston Astros left-hander Dallas Keuchel is one of the best pitchers on the free agent market.

Several hot stove rumors have linked the Yankees to the 2015 American League Cy Young Award winner, with general manager Brian Cashman shopping for rotation upgrades for 2019.

However the Yankees have a long-standing tradition of not allowing facial hair on their players, and as you can clearly see in the photo at the top of this story, Keuchel is a fan of whiskers.

Would that stop the lefty from coming to the Bronx?

According to a report by Fox Business News, the answer to that is a resounding no:

“For the right opportunity, I would happily shave this beard off,” Keuchel told FOX Business‘ Stuart Varney on Friday.

“The lure of the city would be really cool. I like pitching in Yankee Stadium,” he said.

…

“It’s all about winning and I’ve made that very clear from day one of my career starting to this position right now,” Keuchel said.

Robinson Cano to Yankees?

Keuchel is one of several free-agent left-handers who have been linked to the Yankees during the offseason.

J.A. Happ and Patrick Corbin are looking for work, as is former Red Sox right-hander Nathan Eovaldi.

The Yankees already took care of one rotation spot for 2019 when they re-signed C.C. Sabathia to a one-year, $8 million contract.

But Cashman is expected to sign at least one or two more arms for the rotation.

Mike Rosenstein may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @rosenstein73. Find NJ.com on Facebook.