Zack Greinke Rumors: Right-Hander Expects to Net Landmark Contract

It was expected Zack Greinke would become a very rich man this winter, but his camp believes Greinke will sign a history-making contract, according to Jim Bowden of ESPN.

Greinke camp confident he will not only become highest paid RHS in baseball history but might even surpass the Hamels deal

— JIM BOWDEN (@JimBowdenESPNxm) November 25, 2012

Matt Cain is currently the highest-paid right-hander in baseball. This April, the San Francisco Giants signed him to a five-year, $112.5 million contract. Cole Hamels signed a six-year, $144 million extension with the Philadelphia Phillies in July.

Over the past five seasons, Greinke has amassed a higher WAR than both Cain and Hamels, according to FanGraphs. Greinke has been a 28.5 WAR pitcher since 2008, with Hamels at 21.1 and Cain at 19.2. The highest-paid player in baseball, CC Sabathia, has tallied 31.1 WAR over that span.

Greinke split last season between the Milwaukee Brewers and Los Angeles Angels, posting a 3.48 ERA while striking out 200 batters over 212 1/3 innings pitched. The 29-year-old made $13.5 million each of the past two seasons.

The Angels have made retaining Greinke their top priority this offseason, but the Los Angles Dodgers are considered the current front-runners to land the 2009 American League Cy Young Award winner.