Los Angeles Dodgers Rumors: Zack Greinke might opt of deal after 2015 season
By Hayden Kane
Zack Greinke is due to earn a heck of a lot of money on the remaining years of his contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. But he might have an opportunity to pursue a new, even more lucrative deal before his current one is up.
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Never short on candor, Greinke acknowledged this week that he might consider opting out of his deal after the 2015 season if he sees the free agents this off-season cash in for big money. According to Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times:
"However, Zack Greinke can opt out of his Dodgers contract after next season. If Lester and Scherzer cash in this year, Greinke figures to file for free agency next fall, or at least to renegotiate his contract with the Dodgers.“What happens with Lester and Scherzer will say a lot,” Greinke said at Monday’s All-Star festivities."
Shaikin notes that the Dodgers likely will not pursue either Jon Lester or Max Scherzer. The question that would seem to pop up, however, is whether or not this would affect their potential pursuit of a trade for David Price this month or this winter.
The Dodgers are one of the only teams that have the prospects to deal and the money to pay Price. If they see a trade for him that benefits them in the short run for the playoffs as well as the long run as a hedge against Greinke opting out, would that make a difference?
Then again, if Greinke opted out looking for more money, what team would be ahead of the Dodgers on the list that could pay him? It’s an interesting thing to consider, a scenario that would involve major money. Greinke would be leaving $71 million on the table to seek a new deal if he did opt out.
Greinke is good, but is he that good? The next season and a half will tell, I suppose.