Texas Rangers Interested in Acquiring Zack Greinke

There is no doubt that the Texas Rangers are still searching for another top of the rotation pitcher. They were in discussions with the D-Backs on Tuesday, but nothing firm yet.

According to T.R. Sullivan, the Texas Rangers are interested in acquiring former Cy Young award winner Zack Greinke from the Arizona Diamondbacks. The clubs have not confirmed any trade talks, but the rumors are out there.

The D-Backs are looking to save some payroll, and Greinke commands one of the biggest contracts in the MLB right now. He’s two years into a six-year, $206.5 million contract. He’s still owed $138 million over the next four years.

There is a possibility the Rangers swap big deals with the D-Backs. Outfielder Shin-Soo Choo is owed $62 million over the next three seasons. The D-Backs don’t have a DH regularly, so this idea is unlikely to happen.

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Greinke went 17-7 with a 3.20 ERA in 32 starts last season with Arizona. The four-time All-Star is a phenomenal pitcher, but likely too expensive for the Rangers. The D-Backs would have to eat a portion of Greinke’s contract and/or take on Choo’s contract.

The Rangers pursed Greinke when he was a free agent prior to the 2016 season. The interest is there, but Greinke also has a limited no-trade clause in his contract. It’s going to take a lot of work to get a deal like this done.

The good news is that the Rangers are not afraid to go after the top-tier talent. They want a frontline starter this off-season, and they’ve made that clear. Even if this deal doesn’t pan out, the Rangers look ready to go all-in on an ace.