By most accounts free agent Zack Greinke is expected to choose between signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers or rival San Francisco Giants.
Already positioned for a lucrative long-term deal heading into free agency, Greinke’s expectations for a new contract reportedly mirror what David Price received.
The seven-year, $217 million contract Price agreed to with the Boston Red Sox is the richest contract for a starting pitcher in Major League Baseball history.
While Greinke may not receive a deal with same number of years given he’s older than Price, the right-hander is said to want a contract with a higher average annual value.
Amid the perceived bidding war taking place for Greinke’s services, the Dodgers have grown hesitant to guarantee a sixth year in their contract offer, according to ESPN’s Buster Olney:
Sources say the Dodgers have been reluctant in recent days to guarantee a sixth year in their offer to Zack Greinke. This could be a tipping point in these talks: Which team is willing to guarantee a sixth year for Greinke, the Giants or the Dodgers?
Speaking from Dave Roberts’ introductory press conference on Tuesday, Dodgers part owner Magic Johnson called re-signing Greinke “our No. 1 priority this offseason.”
Even when Price was still available, Los Angeles was said to have Greinke as their top target. The Dodgers have also been linked to free agents Johnny Cueto and John Lackey, and Atlanta Braves right-hander Shelby Miller, among others.
