Zack Greinke: Five potential destinations

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October 15, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Zack Greinke (21) after he pitches the sixth inning against New York Mets in game five of NLDS at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

This year’s free agent class already featured top starting pitchers like David Price and Johnny Cueto. But after last week’s report that he would opt out of his contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Zack Greinke added his name into the mix.

It would be difficult to handle a potential walk year as magnificently as Greinke did. He put together the best season of his already very impressive big league career. He went on a dominant 19-3 run over the course of 32 starts. His 1.66 ERA and 0.844 WHIP were the best among pitchers in both leagues. He posted stellar 6.0 H/9, 1.6 BB/9 and 8.1 K/9 rates in 222.2 innings.

Opting out of the remaining three years and $71 million on his deal was a no-brainer, as Greinke is sure to find a much bigger payday on the open market. But which teams might be the frontrunners to hand him that new contract?

The right-hander has consistently been one of the preeminent hurlers in baseball over his 12 seasons. Naturally, he will be one of the most coveted arms during the upcoming free agency period. Here are five clubs (in no particular order) that make sense as potential fits for the Cy Young contender.

Next: Team #1

Los Angeles Dodgers

October 15, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; General view of playing field following the Los Angeles Dodgers 3-2 loss against New York Mets in game five of NLDS at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

First, the obvious one. It’s fun to speculate on major free agents landing with new teams, but it’s a safe bet the Dodgers are going to make a strong push to keep Greinke. With a payroll north of $300 million and their recent affinity for offseason spending, they should be able to easily keep up with the bidding, which an executive told CBS Sports’ Jon Heyman will likely top $150 million over five years.

In addition, the Dodgers simply need to retain Greinke if they want to advance further in next year’s postseason. One of their greatest weaknesses this season was the startling drop-off in quality in their starting rotation after Greinke and Clayton Kershaw. Case in point, Game 3 of this year’s NLDS. After their two aces, L.A. had to turn to Brett Anderson, who got tagged for six runs in three innings en route to a 13-7 defeat.

Losing Greinke would make the Dodgers’ offseason much more difficult. They would then likely end up dropping a lot of money on a big-name starter anyway, so why not spend it on the guy they are already familiar with? Doing so would allow them to then address other trouble areas, such as their bullpen.

Next: Team #2

Houston Astros

May 29, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; General view of a Houston Astros helmet and glove before a game against the Chicago White Sox at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Astros arrived ahead of schedule this season, clinching the second AL Wild Card spot and advancing to the ALDS, where they lost to the Royals in five games. Many expected that they would not become truly competitive for at least another couple years, but the surprising ‘Stros proved them wrong.

Now that they’re here, don’t count on the Astros falling back to the rest of the pack. They have a golden opportunity this offseason to remain among the league’s top teams by making some big splashes in free agency. Greinke would be an enticing option.

Houston’s rotation was led this year by the masterful performance of Dallas Keuchel, and putting Greinke alongside him would make for a highly formidable duo. The Astros eagerly attempted to add starting pitching at the trade deadline and ended up acquiring Scott Kazmir and Mike Fiers. Kazmir is an impending free agent, so why not go for a significant upgrade?

Next: Team #3

New York Yankees

Apr 6, 2015; Bronx, NY, USA; General view of fans arriving for the game between the New York Yankees and the Toronto Blue Jays on Opening Day at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Yankees are inevitably linked to every prominent free agent, but there are legitimate reasons to think Greinke could be a good match for them. Virtually every member of their current rotation comes with question marks. Being able to pencil Greinke in as their surefire number-one starter would be tempting.

The Yankees have shown interest in Greinke before, dating back to his Kansas City days. Back then there were questions about his ability to handle a big market, but after thriving in Los Angeles the last three years, they might be more confident about bringing him to New York.

The Bronx Bombers still have the deepest pockets in the league, but they have grown considerably more judicious in how they spend over the past few offseasons. At age 32, Greinke could end up with a contract of a fairly manageable length, something along the lines of five years or so. Under their current philosophy, the Yanks might find that an agreeable investment.

Next: Team #4

Chicago Cubs

Apr 26, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; A Chicago Cubs hat and glove sits in the dugout during a game with the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

After a disappointing sweep at the hands of the Mets in the NLCS, the Chicago Cubs will aim to come back stronger in 2016. One way team president Theo Epstein plans to do that is by improving the club’s pitching staff. At a press conference following the team’s playoff exit, Epstein said, “We need more pitching, that’s obvious.”

The Cubs landed one of last offseason’s top pitching prizes in Jon Lester, and they could be poised to do something similar this winter. Greinke, Lester and Jake Arrieta would be a very tough trio for opposing teams to match up against.

With several talented young bats in their lineup like Kris Bryant and Kyle Schwarber, the Cubs can afford to keep spending on first-rate starting pitching. They will have options, but Greinke would be a great addition for them as they seek to finally clear that World Series hurdle.

Next: Team #5

San Francisco Giants

Jul 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; A view of a San Francisco Giants baseball hat and glove during the game between the Texas Rangers and the San Francisco Giants at Globe Life Park in Arlington. The Rangers defeated the Giants 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

The San Francisco Giants have alternated between championship-caliber and mediocre campaigns for a few seasons now, and 2015 was mostly a down year. The defending World Series winners finished in second place in the NL West with an 84-78 record, eight games behind the Dodgers.

What better way to get back on track and return to the postseason than by swiping one of their division rival’s best pitchers? After Madison Bumgarner, the Giants’ rotation is somewhat suspect. And with Tim Hudson retiring and the upcoming free agencies of Tim Lincecum, Ryan Vogelsong and Mike Leake, they are probably going to need to bring in some new arms.

The Giants will have money to spend, and the idea of Zack Greinke in San Francisco makes a whole lot of sense. He wouldn’t have to move far, and he would likely continue to dominate in the pitcher’s paradise of AT&T Park.

Next: Dodgers, Mattingly part ways

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