Zack Greinke Signs Record Deal With D-Backs

Zack Greinke agreed to the Arizona Diamondbacks' terms Friday evening garnering him a 6 year, 206 million dollar contract.  His per year average of 34.42 million is the highest ever for a major league player.  Zack Greinke enjoyed a lot of success during his three year stint with the Dodgers including a 51-15 record, 2.33 ERA, 2 gold gloves, a silver slugger, and a pair of All Star Game appearances.  Zack Greinke's impressive 1.66 ERA from 2015 may not have landed him the Cy Young but it gave him financial security and then some for years to come.

The Dodgers apparently offered Greinke "only" 5 years for around $31 million a year with the Giants' offer also rumored to be around that much.  In need of a clear cut ace the D-Backs were willing to open up their pocketbooks and more than double their payroll in one signing.  Zack Greinke has never shyed away from expressing his interest in chasing the money but it comes as a shock to see Arizona be the team to write him that kind of a check.  Even before the signing, the Dodgers were in touch with many of the other free agent pitchers available because at the present the rotation has many question marks after Kershaw.

As the winter meetings kick off next week don't be surprised to see the Dodgers make some big moves like last year when the roster took on a whole different look with the Jimmy Rollins, Yasmani Grandal, and Matt Kemp deal along with the departure of Dee Gordon and arrival of Howie Kendrick.  The only thing that is for certain is that the 1-2 punch of Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke has seen it's final season.