MLB Trade Rumors: Atlanta Braves Scouting Zack Greinke

Zack Greinke may have been snubbed by Tony LaRussa for the All-Star Game, but other teams around the league understand his value.  On of those teams is the Atlanta Braves.  According to Ken Rosenthal of Fox

Sports, the Braves have been scouting Greinke and are willing to trade young pitchers to get him if they feel the move is right.

Greinke and the Brewers were surprised by the fact that he was not selected for the All-Star Game.  He was even placed on a pitching schedule that would have made him available to pitch in the All-Star Game where he otherwise wouldn’t have been able to.  In 16 starts this season, Greinke has a 2.82 ERA.  He’s striking out batters at a clip of nine per nine innings.  He’s also posted his highest K/BB ratio of his career so far at 4.64.

The Braves lost Brandon Beachy for the season when he was diagnosed with a torn UCL.  He underwent Tommy John surgery and will be out the rest of the season.  Their pitching has been solid, but Greinke could be the boost that helps them make a run at the Washington Nationals.

The Brewers are quickly becoming sellers and the lague has taken notice.  The Rangers are also interested in Greinke, but there will be more teams taking a look.  Greinke is just 28 years old and will be a free agent after this season.  Whichever team he ends up with will have the option of signing him to a contract extension or making him a qualifying offer, letting him walk in free agency, and reaping the benefits of draft pick compensation.

The Brewers do not figure to be negotiating a new contract for Greinke anymore.  They had been trying to do so since Greinke represented himself and since the retained a new agent.  They also likely won’t be able to have the flexibility to make him a qualifying offer the offseason which is at least $12 million.  The team’s payroll looks ready to shrink, and if Milwaukee can get young, talented prospects, Greinke may be their best bait.

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

For more on the Braves, be sure to check out Tomahawk Take.