The Kansas City Royals have agreed to a one year contract with one of the premier pitchers in the franchise's history.

 

Zack Greinke, now 39 years old, will be returning to Kansas City for his 20th big league season, and his 9th season with the Royals. The deal is expected to be between $8-10 million dollars plus incentives, according to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand.

 

Greinke has a strong case for the Hall of Fame following retirement, currently ranking 1st in starts, 1st in innings, 2nd in wins, and 3rd in strikeouts among active pitchers. Greinke is also a six-time All Star, six-time Gold Glove Award winner, and two-time Silver Slugger Award winner. He won the 2009 American League Cy Young Award with the Royals as well.

 

Pitching for the Royals last season, Greinke posted a 4-9 record with a 3.68 earned run average across 26 starts. The right-hander was praised for his veteran presence in a Royals rotation that had no other pitcher older than 26.

 

Greinke will be a mainstay in the Royals rotation in 2023 and should help new manager Matt Quatraro by being a consistent arm.