Brewers Rumors: Milwaukee Willing to Offer $100 Million to Zack Greinke

The Milwaukee Brewers are prepared to offer ace Zack Greinke a contract extension worth over $100 million, according to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com.

"The Milwaukee Brewers are believed willing to offer close to $100 million over five years to free-agent-to-be Zack Greinke, according to a person familiar with their thinking. But people close to the team hold little hope that Greinke will sign in mid-season with the Brewers to pass up free agency."

Over the past few days, we've learned the New York Yankees are turned off by Greinke's past anxiety issues, the St. Louis Cardinals aren't after an elite starter and the Texas Rangers don't expect to make a blockbuster trade this year. Teams that have been tied to the 28-year-old include the Los Angeles Angels, Atlanta Braves, Toronto Blue Jays, Baltimore Orioles and Pittsburgh Pirates. Also, the Kansas City Royals would explore bringing him back if he hits the free agent market this winter.

Of course, if the Brewers sign Greinke to an extension, all those rumors can fly out the window. Even team President and GM Doug Melvin didn't paint an optimistic picture on the club's chances to keep Greinke.

"I can't get into what the offers are,'' Melvin said, "but players at that level who get this close to free agency do tend to test the market.''

Greinke struggled against the Pirates last night, giving up six runs, five earned, over five innings pitched. He is 9-3 on the year with a 3.57 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 117 strikeouts over 116 innings.

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Where will Zack Greinke be pitching on Aug. 1?

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