How could the Atlanta Braves acquire Zack Greinke?
By Josh Mathews
Ace Ventures
Greinke, 35+ (he will turn 36 in October), has showed little signs of aging, and is getting paid big time by the Arizona Diamondbacks, who signed him to a 7 year, 206 million dollar contract after the 2015 season. He’s anchored the rotation in Arizona and has been an All-Star the past three years.
Historically, Greinke is just three wins away from 200, won a Cy Young in 2009, and nearly won a second in 2015 after a 19-3 season with the Los Angeles Dodgers where he registered a minuscule 1.66 ERA.
Among active pitchers, he has the 3rd most innings pitched (Sabathia and Verlander).
In the postseason, however, he’s been far less impressive. Over 11 starts, he’s allowed nine home runs, pitched to a 4.03 ERA and dons a 3-4 record.
Oh, and he can hit a bit, too.
Personally, I think that the Arizona Diamondbacks would want a good return with one or two higher end prospects, and they may take on some of the money owed to make that happen. The trade would give Atlanta Braves an bonafide ace.
Greinke is owed 70 million dollars over the 2020 and 2021 seasons before becoming a free agent. That’s not taking into consideration the prorated portion of his 31.5 million 2019 salary that would also be involved if a trade were to go down. Some of those monies are deferred, which could help out in the short term.
Well, the conspiracy theorists in the room already know this isn’t going to happen. Liberty Media, taking on that much money?! You might be right.