MLB Trade Rumors: Why Brewers Must Start Talking Trades for Zack Greinke

Another day, another outstanding start for Milwaukee Brewers ace, Zach Greinke. Unfortunately for Brewers fans, each subsequent gem that Greinke throws means they have less of a chance of keeping their star. 

The evidence of this comes from CBS' Jon Heyman, who recently interviewed Brewers GM Mark Attanasio:

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"The Brewers' Mark Attanasio is a terrific owner who badly wants to keep star pitcher Zack Greinke in Milwaukee but understands probably better than anyone the realities of trying to sign a big-time talent in a very small market."

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Greinke is set to hit free agency next winter, and it's unlikely the Brewers, who already have a team salary of $97 million, are going to be able to give him the raise he deserves.

Because of that, the Brew Crew must start talking trades for their young ace, especially if their losing ways continue.

What will Greinke cost?

Greinke started off the season on a sour note, but he has been absolutely lights out in his last few starts (15 IP, 7 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 18 SO). He has lowered his ERA to 2.88 and his WHIP to 1.12 on the season.

If the righty continues to dominate hitters at this pace, his value is going to hit an all-time high. 

Of course, as Attanasio points out, it's sometimes more about the market than it is about the player.

"I am a creature of the market, so I am attuned to the market,'' Attanasio said, allowing that the Cain contract does indeed "set a market price.''

For reference, Cain got a five-year, $112.5-million extension. The two biggest starting pitcher free agents in 2011 were C.J Wilson and Yu Darvish. Wilson got five years and $77.5 million, while Darvis got six years and $60 million.

In 2010, Cliff Lee got five years and $120 million, and in 2009, John Lackey got five years and $82.5 million (woopsie).

Greinke, however, is younger than Wilson, Lee, and Lackey all were at the time, and he has considerably less question marks than Darvish. There's no question in mind, should Greinke stay healthy this year, he will get five years for at least $100 million. 

Will the Brewers pay Greinke?

Milwaukee likes Greinke and Greinke likes Milwaukee. It's a good relationship and both sides will certainly try to get something done.

Additionally, Milwaukee has offered C.C. Sabathia and Prince Fielder big-time money in the past, so there is definitely a chance the Brewers keep their stud.

However, Milwaukee is a mid-market club and the odds of a big-market team blowing Greinke away with an overly-ridiculous offer are high. 

So, why trade him?

All of this basically means Greinke, at his current pace, is going to be one expensive cookie. The odds of signing him are completely up in the air right now.

A team like Milwaukee can't afford to lose someone with so much value for nothing. There's nothing wrong with listening to offers at this point in hopes that a legitimate contender falls over itself to acquire a late-season rental. 

It's better to be safe than sorry at this point. Getting something for Greinke now would be the safest move possible. 

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