The Royals’ losing ways may force Zack Greinke consider a move to a big-market team.
Greinke, who has suffered from anxiety issues throughout his career, is reportedly hoping the Royals move him this offseason to a winning team. The 2009 AL Cy Young-award winner has the Yankees on the list of teams to whom he has a no-trade clause, but he may be willing to remove them, according to Yahoo.com.
“I wouldn’t put it past him to go to New York,” a source told the website “I don’t think he’d rule out anybody. He says he likes New York. Especially because they’re winners. He wants to go to a team that wins. He’s got a list, but in the process, a lot of people have lists.”
The Yankees, however, don’t believe the right-hander wants to pitch under the lights of the Yankees’ universe. And with the Yankees planning to give prospect Jesus Montero a chance to be their starting catcher, they likely do not have enough to offer the Royals in a trade.
Greinke, who missed most of 2006 because of depression, has two years and $27 million left on his contract with Kansas City. The Rangers could consider Greinke a backup plan if they are unable to sign Cliff Lee.
The Royals are seeking a major-league ready player and multiple high-level prospects in return for Greinke, according to the report.
The 27-year-old went 10-14 with a 4.17 ERA a year after his award-winning season when he posted a 16-8 and a 2.16 ERA.
With George A. King III