By Matt Rappa, Sports Talk Philly editor 
Lost in the seemingly month(s)-long free agency frenzy surrounding perennial All-Star outfielder Bryce Harper, it is easy to forget that the Philadelphia Phillies are also significant players as among interested teams for free agent southpaw starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel, as well as free agent closer RHP Craig Kimbrel.
While the Phillies' "total focus" is currently on signing Harper, according to MLB Network's Jon Heyman, after he signs — "either with them or elsewhere" — the club will reportedly next "consider" Keuchel and/or Kimbrel.
#Phillies on #Kimbrel pic.twitter.com/eQyLoAK0Px
— Nick M (@SportsDirectTV) November 7, 2018
"One person thought Keuchel's more likely [for the Phillies,] since the pen is solid with [David] Robertson aboard, but it could be either guy," Heyman tweeted Wednesday evening.
Talks for both free agent arms have been considerably quiet, but more so for Keuchel. The Atlanta Braves were recently reported to be "lying in the weeds" for a reunion with Kimbrel. A false report last week suggested Kimbrel was nearing a deal with the Phillies' rivals, however it was soon after "shot down." Like Kimbrel, Keuchel's former team in the Houston Astros are open to a reunion with the southpaw, but nothing more has materialized.
Keuchel, 31, is a former Cy Young Award winner; he went 12-11 with a 3.74 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 153 strikeouts spanning 34 starts and 204 2/3 innings last season. Kimbrel, 30, meanwhile, went 5-1 in 63 appearances with 42 saves, 96 strikeouts, a 2.74 ERA and 0.99 WHIP with the World Series champion Boston Red Sox.
Both, likely, are not only waiting on Harper's decision, but also the Phillies' and if they are willing to spend "stupid money" on them as well.
