LA Dodgers Roster News: Zack Greinke Opts Out of Contract to Test Free Agent Market
The Los Angeles Dodgers signed pitcher Zack Greinke to a blockbuster deal worth $147 million before the start of the 2013 season, which at that time was a justifiable offer considering the fact that the right-hander is one of the most formidable pitchers in the league.
The only problem with the deal is that it included an opt-out clause after the consummation of the first three years, which is the reason why the Dodgers are facing the possibility that their star pitcher will be donning a new jersey next season.
There will be several teams with starting pitching openings this offseason and competition solely depends on how much money they can offer. Some of those teams include the Cubs, Yankees, Red Sox, Dodgers, and the Giants. While the right-hander isn't getting any younger, he still is considered as a top level and elite pitcher, competing with only a few ones who also deserve the same money as him, including Jordan Zimmerman, Johnny Cueto, and David Price.
Opting out of his remaining three years, worth $71 million is no surprise, though, because he's expected to earn more than the original offer this coming offseason. Greinke comes in with one of the best credentials in the MLB. For one, his name always pops out when it comes to Cy Young candidates in the National League, plus the fact that he is currently leading the major leagues in ERA at 1.66 and WHIP at 0.84.
The 32-year-old earned a total of $25 million in baseball salary this season, but the decision to test free agency may very well work to his advantage because he has the potential of earning more than the $71 million guarantee he currently has with the Dodgers. It's a decision that's not entirely about greed. It's just the way of life in the MLB, especially for big-time players who provide guaranteed contributions night in and night out.
