Kansas City Royals still hoping to bring Zack Greinke back

The Kansas City Royals have not given up on Zack Greinke.

It certainly appeared as though they have moved on. The Royals added Ryan Yarbrough to a one year deal and, for some inexplicable reason, handed Jordan Lyles a two year contract. Between that duo, Brady Singer, and the hopes that maybe some of their formerly well regarded prospects can show anything resembling competence, the Royals would appear to have a rotation.

Kansas City Royals still want Zack Greinke back

But there is still a place for Greinke if he wants it. However, he would reportedly have to accept an incentive laden contract if he was to return. There would be a lower base salary, but he could unlock bonuses based on the number of innings he pitched.

It may be the Royals or nothing for Greinke. He has not been linked to any other teams this offseason, although any team with a younger pitching staff may want to bring him on board as a veteran mentor and second pitching coach. But there has not been any speculation of those teams having interest in the future Hall of Famer.

Greinke was not the same pitcher he had been in the past. He is no longer a staff ace, having faded into a back of the rotation arm. However, he was still reasonably effective in 2022, posting a 3.68 ERA and a 1.343 WHiP over his 137 innings, striking out 73 batters with 27 walks. He may not be a strikeout artist any longer, but Greinke still knows how to pitch and how to maximize what he has left.

That is what the Royals need. They need to find pitchers that can actually get outs and provide a solid performance when they take the ball. Greinke can still do that despite the advancing years. It is just a matter of the two sides finding a number that works. The Royals want him back, but at a price they feel they can afford.

The Kansas City Royals still want Zack Greinke as part of their 2023 rotation. They just need to figure out a contract that will make it happen.