Boston Red Sox: Potential Free Agent Starting Pitchers
By Hal Bent
Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Zack Greinke is the second best starting pitcher on the free agent market and really, missing out on Price and getting Greinke would not be a big drop off. Greinke has been a star in Los Angeles after shaking off a few rough seasons in Kansas City while in his early twenties.
Part of the problem was dealing with depression and social anxiety disorder. He has since managed the issue with medication but the issue from a decade ago still raises red flags.
Greinke, however, should not have that diminish his value in any way. Greinke has a smooth throwing motion and is durable. Although 32 years old, he had his best statistical season last year in Los Angeles going 19-3 with a microscopic 1.66 ERA. He pitched 222 ⅔ regulars season innings and struck out 200 batters.
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The big question is whether Greinke will leave the National League where he is very comfortable.It will cost more than $30 million per season and six plus years to sign Greinke, and he may need to be overwhelmed to come pitch against the powerful lineups of the American League East.
Greinke is solid in the postseason and would no doubt be a favorite of owner John Henry as Greinke is obsessive in his preparation and buys into advance pitching analytics. Another plus is that Red Sox director of pitching analytics Brian Bannister is a former teammate of Greinke in Kansas City and turned him onto the advanced metrics.
Greinke may take fewer years for more money and that may fit Boston best–if they can convince him to come to Boston.
The biggest problem with trying to sign Greinke will be outbidding the Dodgers. Los Angeles has passed the New York Yankees as the team most willing to spend whatever it takes for the player they want. The Red Sox may want Greinke, but will likely find it difficult to top the Dodgers’ offer and bring him to Fenway Park.
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