Zack Greinke: Six Possible Trade Destinations For The Kansas City Royals Ace
On Tuesday, Cliff Lee made his decision to play for the Philadelphia Phillies. Now, attention shifts from him to the No. 1 trade candidate of the offseason: Zack Greinke.
Despite putting up a 10-14 season last year, many teams believe that Greinke is the answer to their pitching woes. Only two obstacles stand in their way: A no-trade clause and a high asking price.
However, Greinke wants to be traded, and the Royals want to move him. Here are the six most likely teams to pick up Greinke this offseason.
No. 6: New York Yankees
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This photo shows what the Yankees have that not many other teams do: Money.
Many prospect names have been thrown around between the Royals and Yankees: Infielder Eduardo Nunez, outfielders Brett Gardner and Slade Heathcott, and catcher Jesus Montero have been just a few of the players named.
However, the Royals still want more prospects or a solid Major League starter for Greinke, two things the Yankees can't bring to the table.
Another setback: Greinke's oft-mentioned anxiety issues. The Bombers are on Greinke's no-trade list, which means that Greinke would have to approve any trade to the Bronx.
Despite many saying that Greinke would be just fine in New York, Newsday writer Ken Davidoff reports that "the Yankees don't agree."
Many thought that after Cliff Lee, New York's next best option was Zack Greinke. But I just don't see it happening.
No. 5: Los Angeles Dodgers
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The Dodgers need pitching, and they reportedly are willing to take a huge chunk out of their farm system to get it. By far their most exciting prospect, Dee Gordon (pictured) is a fast shortstop who's almost ready for the big leagues.
The Dodgers are ready to sacrifice him to the Royals, but with Christian Colon in Kansas City's farm system, the Royals reportedly want someone else.
The nest big prospects are three pitchers who would be intriguing for the Royals: Chris Withrow, Aaron Miller and Ethan Martin. Still, would the Dodgers want to give up their pitching future for their pitching now? And is this enough to lure the Royals? That's why I don't see this deal happening, either.
No. 4: Texas Rangers
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The Rangers thought they had a very good chance at Cliff Lee. Now that he's out of the picture, the Rangers need an ace. That ace may just be Zack Greinke.
Greinke would definitely fit as a Ranger. He needs a good team, and they need a good pitcher. The one setback is the asking price. Jurickson Profar (pictured) is the Rangers' top prospect, and the young shortstop is nowhere close to the bigs.
Outfielder Engel Beltre split last season between Class A Bakersfield and Double-A Frisco. The Rangers have many great pitchers as well, but they wouldn't want to part with them.
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No. 3: Milwaukee Brewers
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The Brewers have just acquired this man, Shawn Marcum, from the Jays, but that doesn't mean they don't want to strengthen their rotation even more.
Unlike most teams up to this point, the Brewers can actually afford the price for Greinke. Whether they want to pay is a different story. The Brewers have the speedy Alcides Escobar, as well as young pitchers Jeremy Jeffress and Mark Rogers. Slugger Mat Gamel is also in the conversation.
This trade may be less than likely, but don't be surprised if the Brew Crew make the deal.
No. 2: Washington Nationals
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The Nats, like the Brewers, are also very deep. Even though shortstop Ian Desmond (pictured), slugger Bryce Harper, and pitchers Jordan Zimmerman and Steven Strasburg are off-limits, they still have prospects they may want to move.
Derek Norris, Destin Hood, and Drew Storen would likely be the centerpieces of the deal. However, the question arises if the Royals feel they are enough.
No. 1: Toronto Blue Jays
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By far, this is the most likely option. The Blue Jays need another solid, young pitcher to complement Ricky Romero. The Jays have three young catchers: Travis D'Arnaud, J.P. Arbencina and Carlos Perez. They also have outfielder Anthony Gose and infielder Brett Lawrie.
Another option would be for the Jays to deal lefty outfielder Travis Snider, whom the Royals could use for a strong, middle-of-the-lineup hitter.
This is unlikely, however, as the Jays don't wish to disrupt their somewhat shaky lineup. Still, the Jays are the front-runners to land Greinke.
What Do The Royals Want?
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Most teams are turned off to Greinke by the steep asking price. Still, teams who can brave losing several prospects may make the move.
According to Royals GM Dayton Moore, any team that wants Greinke should be expected to pay a price similar to that of the Rangers and Braves that sent Elvis Andrus, Neftali Feliz, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Matt Harrison and Beau Jones from the Atlanta Braves to Texas in exchange for Mark Teixeira.
Will any team be able to top that? Tell me who you think will land Greinke in the comments.
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