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The Rangers and Diamondbacks have begun discussions about a potential deal involving starting pitchers, including Zack Greinke, according to TR Sullivan of MLB.com.
Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that Texas would need to include outfielder Shin-soo Choo in any deal to offset the cost of Greinke’s contract. It appears the sides have discussed the possibility, though no deal is close at this point.
After dealing away Yu Darvish just before the trade deadline, the Rangers have been looking to reload their pitching staff, but struck out on Shohei Otani, and spoke with the Mets about a deal for Matt Harvey, but the Mets have elected to stick with their starter.
The Rangers now appear to be turning their attention towards Greinke, as the team looks to improve their roster while avoiding an all-out rebuild.
Greinke returned to his All-Star ways in 2017 after an uncharacteristic 2016 season in which he posted a 4.37 ERA. Greinke pitched to a much better 3.20 ERA last season, and cracked the 200 innings mark for the third time in four seasons.
Greinke is in the middle of a six-year, $206.5 million deal he signed with the Diamondbacks prior to the 2016 season.
Due to Greinke’s large contract, the Rangers are reportedly looking to include Shin-Soo Choo in the deal, and the $63 million he is owed over the next three seasons.