Amidst criticism from fans and employees regarding the Boston Red Sox’s underwhelming offseason, it appears that the team may still have some noteworthy moves up their sleeve. While such moves may not significantly enhance their chances of competing in the highly competitive AL East, Patrick McAvoy of FanNation’s Inside The Red Sox has suggested that the team could be a “logical landing spot” for Zack Greinke, a six-time All-Star pitcher.
McAvoy acknowledges that Greinke may not be the same dominant pitcher he once was, but highlights his veteran experience and the potential for him to contribute to the team. With Boston’s pursuit of a top-of-the-rotation pitcher potentially falling short, Greinke could be a viable option to compete for the fifth spot in the team’s pitching rotation.
Acquiring Zack Greinke: Boston Red Sox’s Path to Adding a Highly Accomplished MLB Veteran
Greinke possesses an impressive collection of accolades that few active MLB players can match, solidifying his status as one of the most accomplished veterans in the league. If he were to join the current version of the Red Sox, he would undoubtedly be the team’s most distinguished player.
With a 20-year career under his belt, the 40-year-old pitcher has amassed an impressive array of awards. These include the 2009 Cy Young Award, six All-Star selections (in 2009, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2019), six Gold Glove Awards (in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019), and two Silver Slugger Awards (in 2013 and 2019), among others.
Throughout his career, Greinke has made 541 starts, accumulating a 3.49 ERA, 2,979 strikeouts, and 225 wins. However, his performance in 2023 marked the lowest point of his career, with a 5.06 ERA in 30 starts for the Kansas City Royals. Nevertheless, if he can return to his 2022 form, during which he posted a 3.68 ERA in 26 starts, Greinke could undoubtedly provide valuable support to the back end of the Red Sox’s rotation.
According to Patrick McAvoy, it would be sensible for the Red Sox to bring in a player on an affordable contract to bolster the back end of their rotation. This would allow the team to address the top of the rotation later in the season, potentially around the trade deadline, depending on the team’s performance.
Sportrac estimates that Greinke is projected to earn $10.4 million for the 2024 season. He remains eager to continue his illustrious career, with the opportunity to become one of only 20 pitchers in history to record 3,000 strikeouts.
Zack Greinke: The Solution to Strengthening the Boston Red Sox’s Pitching Rotation
The Boston Red Sox have made significant changes to their pitching rotation for the upcoming 2024 season. With the departure of Chris Sale to the Atlanta Braves, James Paxton joining the Los Angeles Dodgers, and Corey Kluber retiring, there are opportunities for new additions to step in.
One potential leader of the rotation is Lucas Giolito, who has joined the team and aims to contribute substantial innings. Giolito is looking to regain his All-Star form from 2019 after a less successful 2023 season, where he posted a 4.88 ERA across 33 starts for three different teams. Nick Pivetta showed improvement later in the 2023 season after being moved from the bullpen. Brayan Bello, a 24-year-old pitcher, is in contention to start on Opening Day after putting up a 4.24 ERA in 28 starts in 2023. Kutter Crawford (4.04 ERA in 2023) and Garrett Whitlock (5.15 ERA in 2023) round out the rest of the Red Sox’s starting staff at the moment.
Considering the overall picture, if Zack Greinke can replicate his performance from 2022, there is a strong possibility that he could reach the milestone of 3,000 career strikeouts while wearing a Red Sox uniform.
