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Washington Nationals need to avoid signing Zack Greinke

By James Simmons

Zack Greinke #21 of the Houston Astros walks back to the dugout after retiring the side during the second inning against the Atlanta Braves in Game Four of the World Series at Truist Park on October 30, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Zack Greinke #21 of the Houston Astros walks back to the dugout after retiring the side during the second inning against the Atlanta Braves in Game Four of the World Series at Truist Park on October 30, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Eduardo Rodriguez found a new home, as did Noah Syndergaard. Jose Berrios signed a very lucrative extension and other pitchers will soon be finding homes also. While the Washington Nationals plan to have a healthy Stephen Strasburg back, there are a lot of question marks revolving around the starting rotation this next season.

Some in the industry believe Zack Greinke would be a good fit in DC. While the prospect of adding a seasoned veteran to the staff seems enticing, the Nationals would be wise to steer clear of this one.

As the Nationals look to add free agent pitchers, Zack Greinke is one they should stay away from.

When mlbtraderumors.com released their annual Top 50 free agents of the year, one writer tabbed the Nationals as a good fit for Greinke.

"Still putting the finishing touches on a Hall of Fame resume, Greinke’s season ERA stood at 3.41 as late as August 23rd."

Reading this reminded me of a 2010 Nationals team which was rebuilding. They went out and signed an aging catcher who was on his way to the Hall of Fame. At the time that was $6M wasted on Ivan Rodriguez, and if the Greinke gets what he is projected, this would be $15M wasted on him.

For a team who doesn’t figure to compete in the National League East, allocating this much money on a veteran arm doesn’t make much sense. Even if they could potentially flip him at the trade deadline. An up and down 2021 season left Greinke out of the starting rotation come playoff time for the Houston Astros, even though he did make two starts.

With a FIP of 4.71 and six strikeouts per nine innings, you would have to expect the same performance from Greinke the Nationals received from Jon Lester in 2021. The Nationals will need someone to eat innings, not with the price tag attached to this 38 year old right hander, however.

As for Greinke he doesn’t want to waste his time on a middling team. The seven time All-Star wants to latch on to a team he can win a World Series with. To this point, that has eluded him thus far in his 18 year career. His 113 innings of playoff experience will look appetizing to a contender trying to bolster the middle to back end of their rotation.

Next. The Bullpen of the Future. dark

If Greinke does find his way into the Hall of Fame, the Washington Nationals should not one of the teams on his plaque..

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