MLB Trade Rumors: 5 starters the New York Yankees should target

2. Zack Greinke

Despite being a financial anchor around the necks of the Arizona Diamondbacks almost from the moment he signed it, it’s hard to argue right-hander Zack Greinke hasn’t earned the money or lived up to his massive contract. He had an up-and-down first season in Arizona, but since, Greinke is 41-21 with a 3.14 ERA in 83 starts.

The 16-year veteran continues to excel in his age-35 season and has aged marvelously. He is 9-3 this year with a 2.90 ERA in 18 starts and is walking a career-low 1.2 per nine. Greinke was never one to rely on overwhelming velocity. His calling card has been outstanding command and an ever-changing arsenal that can include up to six different pitches on a given night. Greinke can throw them all for strikes in any count, keeping hitters completely off balance.

Trading Greinke makes sense for the Diamondbacks, who are retooling, but whether or not they can move the remaining $70 million on his contract remains to be seen. If the Tigers were able to find a new home for Justin Verlander and his millions, Arizona may be able to work something with Greinke. His value is still high enough that a contender may be willing to take on a portion of the deal.

For once, the Yankees salary situation is not especially dire (and they’re only paying Jacoby Ellsbury to rehab for one more year!). Taking on a chunk of Greinke’s remaining money would not be out of the question. Trading for him, as opposed to one of the younger starters on the trade market, would allow the Yankees to keep their best prospects for another day.