The Los Angeles Dodgers expressed interest in reacquiring Zack Greinke but were rebuffed by the Arizona Diamondbacks.
According to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, the Dodgers checked in on the right-hander this week. The talks didn’t go very far.
“It’s not going to happen, not yet and maybe not ever. But the Dodgers expressed interest in trading for the Diamondbacks right-hander before Wednesday night’s deadline for players to become eligible for postseason rosters, according to major-league sources.
The discussions were not substantive and did not advance, sources said. The Dodgers, however, could revisit their continuing interest in Greinke this offseason; clearly, they still covet a pitcher who had a 2.30 ERA for them from 2013 to ’15.”
Trading Greinke would be a clear cut sign of Diamondbacks management admitting they floundered big time in the offseason. Arizona handed out the largest average annual salary in MLB history to Greinke, signing him to a six-year, $206.5 million contract. The return on investment hasn’t been great, as Greinke is 12-4 with a 4.17 ERA in 22 starts. Despite Greinke’s average season, he’s still a top-flight pitcher – hence, the Dodgers interest.
The Dodgers rotation has been obliterated with injuries in 2016. Acquiring Greinke would give the organization much-needed insurance behind ace Clayton Kershaw. Los Angeles has had no issue taking on huge contracts in the past, but a $35.4 million AAV may be too rich, even for them. The Diamondbacks may have to eat some of the salary owed to Greinke going forward if a trade is agreed to.
The Diamondbacks may revisit the deal this offseason but for now, Arizona wants to finish out the season with Greinke.
