The Kansas City Royals want Zack Greinke back in 2023. Greinke reportedly wants to pitch in 2023 and is interested in a return to the Royals. It is seemingly a matter of time before the two sides get a deal done.
That may no longer be the case. According to reports, senior advisor to the GM Mike Arbuckle stated during a banquet for the Ban Johnson Summer Collegiate Baseball League stated that the interest is still there. However, with the price for pitching thus far in the offseason, it is not certain the two sides will come to an agreement.
Kansas City Royals weigh cost of bringing Zack Greinke back
Considering that the Royals burned $17 million over two years on Jordan Lyles, their concern about spending on Greinke is confusing at best. Despite his diminished skills on the mound, he is still a better option than Lyles has been at any point in his career, including his career best showing in 2022.
Greinke is not the pitcher he once was. That was clear with his results last season as he posted a 3.68 ERA and a 1.343 WHiP over his 137 innings, striking out 73 batters with 27 walks. Opponents had a .286/.320/.417 batting line against him in their 585 plate appearances, hitting 14 homers. He is not an ace, or even a middle of the rotation arm, any longer.
But Greinke is still able to get outs. He knows how to pitch and knows his stuff. He has the ability to work with what he has left and has a feel for pitching. His experience, and place on the Royals as a mentor to their young pitchers, is just as valuable as what he brings to the mound. The better question may be whether or not the Royals could afford not to bring him back.
The Kansas City Royals still want to bring Zack Greinke back – it is just a matter of cost. As a mentor, he will be worth every cent.