MLB Trade Rumors: Is Zack Greinke Available?

One of last year’s surprise teams, the Milwaukee Brewers, has struggled so far this year. The Brewers are six games

under .500 and haven’t show that they can be a winning club all year. They lost Prince Fielder (free agency), and they lost Mat Gamel (injury) who replaced Fielder. However, this team is struggling just about everywhere – not just offensively. They rank 23rd in the league in team ERA. They have allowed opponents to hit .265 against them. They’ve been outscored by 18 runs this season.

All of the above are the trends of a team that could be a seller come the trade deadline. The team doesn’t seem to have a clear direction at this point. They have last year’s MVP, Ryan Braun, but Milwaukee has already proven they can’t keep up with the big spenders. They need to mix in young talent with their expensive stars to be able to compete. That being said, Zack Greinke could hit the trading block this summer.

Tom Haudricourtt of the Milwaukee-Wisconsin Journal Sentinel believes the team needs to move its trade-worthy players while they have the opportunity. Zack Greinke is one of those players. Greinke is 7-2 this season with a 2.96 ERA. He is pitching like his Cy Young self. He’s also a free agent after this season.

While the Brewers have been meeting with Greinke and his agent, the team may soon decide to shop him. Considering the amount of interest another impending free agent pitcher (Ryan Dempster) has received, Greinke should garner a lot of attention. Dempster is making $14 million this season and is 35 years old. Greinke is making $13.5 million and is just 28 years old. Greinke also has a Cy Young award under his belt.

Teams who lose out on Matt Garza or Dempster could turn their attention to Greinke. In fact, if Greinke becomes available and the Cubs take too long dealing Garza or Dempster, teams could change their priorities and go after Greinke first. Teams like the Yankees, Dodgers, Red Sox, Orioles, Blue Jays, and others have all been linked to Garza and Dempster, and all of them could use pitching help.

For more on the Milwaukee Brewers, be sure to check out Reviewing the Brew.