The New York Mets remade their 2024 starting rotation with the expectation that Kodai Senga would be leading the way. Unfortunately for the Amazins, that won’t be happening to start the season. Could six-time All-Star and 20-year MLB veteran Zack Greinke be acquired as at least a temporary replacement?
Instead of jumping into free agency to sign Blake Snell or Jordan Montgomery to fill the void left by Senga, FanSided’s Curt Bishop had a different idea on February 23. He named three free-agent hurlers New York could sign that wouldn’t break the bank. The top option he shared was Greinke, along with Michael Lorenzen and Rich Hill.
Senga was initially diagnosed with “overall arm fatigue” before undergoing tests. After an MRI, the 2023 National League Rookie of the Year runner-up was diagnosed with a moderate capsule strain in the back of his shoulder. He’s expected to hit the Injured List and miss Opening Day.
Greinke Had a Rough 2023 With the Royals
Since debuting in 2004 with the Kansas City Royals, Greinke has built up an impressive resume that will lead to an intriguing Hall of Fame debut once he retires. Outside of his six All-Star Game selections, the right-hander has won a Cy Young Award, six Gold Glove Awards, two Silver Slugger Awards, and two ERA titles. He also boasts a 3.49 career ERA with 225 total wins.
Unfortunately for the 40-year-old, his 2023 campaign didn’t go a long way in helping him secure a job for 2024. Greinke went 2-15 for Kansas City with a 5.06 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 97 strikeouts in 142.1 innings.
He wasn’t even sure if he wanted to keep pitching at the end of last season. His tune changed rather quickly, though. MLB.com’s Jon Morosi reported on December 12 that Greinke was preparing to pitch in 2024. “Zack Greinke’s representatives have communicated to MLB teams that he’s preparing to pitch in 2024 and is open to contract talks,” he said on X (formerly Twitter).
