Phillies trade rumor: Club scouting Zack Greinke
Another Phillies trade rumor is connecting them to an Arizona pitcher, but this time it’s Zack Greinke.
The Phillies trade rumor mill picked up some steam after the club scouted Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Zack Greinke, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale.
Philadelphia and Arizona have had talks involving pitchers in recent months with rumors surrounding starter Robbie Ray early in the offseason.
A Cy Young winner with five Gold Gloves, two ERA titles, and five All-Star selections, the 35-year-old Greinke is off to another strong start for Arizona this year. Through 11 starts he’s 6-2 with a 2.89 ERA, 0.865 WHIP, and 2.7 WAR.
Seven wins shy of 200 in his career and recently surpassing 2,500 strikeouts, Geinke would be a solid veteran for the Phillies to add atop their struggling rotation this summer.
A major holdup on acquiring Greinke will be his monstrous contract, the second-largest deal ever signed by a pitcher. He’s owed more than $90 million through the 2021 season, so the Phillies would not only tie up money but a rotation spot for the next couple of years.
Arizona, a third place team one game over .500, would likely send back some cash in a deal involving Greinke. The more cash they send back the more prominent the package of prospects sent back by the Phillies.
Arizona could use an outfielder, possibly sparking discussions regarding Nick Williams, Adam Haseley, and/or Mickey Moniak.
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Perhaps some assurance that Greinke will be worth the deal is his durability despite his age. He’s appeared in at least 30 games in five of his last seven season and has appeared in no less than 26 games since 2008.
Greinke would also solidify the top of Philadelphia’s rotation alongside Aaron Nola and Jake Arrieta. A battle would continue between Jerad Eickhoff, Zach Eflin, Nick Pivetta, Vince Velasquez, and now Cole Irvin for the final two rotation spots should another starter be acquired.
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Philadelphia has also been linked to Madison Bumgarner, though they were named on his no-trade list.