Zack Greinke Contract: Latest News, Rumors on Dodgers SP's Future

On the heels of a career season that could land him the National League Cy Young Award, Los Angeles Dodgers ace Zack Greinke has a decision to make regarding free agency.

Continue for updates.

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Heyman: Sources Expect Greinke to Opt Out of Contract

Friday, Oct. 16

Greinke still has three years and $71 million remaining on his contract, but according to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com, the 31-year-old righty will reportedly attempt to cash in even more by opting out of his deal.

The potential move doesn't come as a big surprise since Greinke went 19-3 with a 1.66 ERA, a ridiculous 0.84 WHIP and 200 strikeouts in 222.2 innings. The expectation prior to the season was that Greinke would opt out, and that hasn't changed now that he has an opportunity to land a contract in the neighborhood of $150 million over five years, per Heyman.

The 12-year veteran took the loss in the Dodgers' 3-2 Game 5 National League Division Series defeat at the hands of the New York Mets on Thursday as he allowed three runs in 6.2 innings.

Following L.A.'s ouster from the playoffs, Greinke was predictably asked about his future with the Dodgers. According to Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times, he didn't offer much in regard to his desire to stay in Los Angeles in 2016 and beyond: "That would be nice. I guess that is my whole response."

There is no mystery when it comes to the way Greinke's teammates feel about him, though. Per Shaikin, Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez made it very clear that he doesn't want the three-time All-Star and former AL Cy Young Award winner to go anywhere: "He's been incredible the whole time he's been here. We love him. We hope he opts to stay."

Greinke formed a remarkable one-two punch with Clayton Kershaw atop the Dodgers' rotation in 2015, and he has been spectacular throughout his tenure with the organization.

Though he enjoyed success in stops with the Kansas City Royals, the Milwaukee Brewers and the Los Angeles Angels, Greinke has truly hit his stride with the Dodgers as he is 51-15 with a 2.30 ERA since signing with them in December 2012.

While it hasn't quite worked out yet, the Dodgers have been and will continue to be top contenders in the NL for as long as they have Greinke and Kershaw in the fold.

If they are going to make that happen, though, they'll have to open up the checkbook, which is something they certainly haven't hesitated to do, being that they have the highest payroll in Major League Baseball. 

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