:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47459970/usa-today-8863220.0.jpg)
Zack Greinke could be joining the New York Yankees' starting pitching staff. On Friday, it was reported Greinke would opt out of his current deal, and according to CBS Sports' Jon Heyman, the Yankees are among the clubs interested in signing him.
Greinke's current contract would have paid him $71 million over the next three seasons, however he will likely find a better deal this off-season. The Dodgers still have an opportunity to negotiate a new contract with Greinke, but multiple teams hoping to add starting pitching will likely consider adding the veteran right-hander.
New York's 2015 rotation was plagued by injuries, with Masahiro Tanaka and Michael Pineda both being sidelined with forearm strains. Nathan Eovaldi missed the final few weeks of the season with elbow inflammation and CC Sabathia was bothered by a knee condition. Ivan Nova underwent Tommy John surgery and is expected to miss the first few months of 2016. Both Luis Severino and Adam Warren pitched well, but neither is guaranteed a spot in New York's rotation next season.
Pineda was dominant early and Eovaldi thrived throughout the first half in 2015. Nova was inconsistent and Sabathia struggled until he used a new knee brace. Tanaka remained effective, but if the Yankees are seeking a top of the rotation arm, Greinke might be an ideal fit.
Greinke, 31, pitched to a 1.66 ERA and 2.76 FIP over 222.2 innings with Los Angeles this season. He could be the National League Cy Young Award winner and will likely receive a contract worth at least $125 million, according to Heyman. When he first signed with the Dodgers, he received a six-year, $147 million contract.
While the Yankees have been connected to Greinke, the Giants, Diamondbacks, Red Sox, Cubs, Tigers, Phillies, Marlins, Blue Jays, Cardinals, Braves and Rangers are all also known to be seeking top starters.
Greinke will likely end up with the club that provides him with the largest contract. If it is not Dodgers, the Yankees make sense and have a need.