As the Major League Baseball Winter Meetings are less than one week away free agency has quickly gained traction over the last few days — particularly as it pertains to available starting pitchers.
Jordan Zimmermann was the first major domino to fall, signing a five-year, $110 million deal with the Detroit Tigers.
Then on Tuesday, David Price and the Boston Red Sox agreed to a seven-year, $217 million contract.
Price’s deal is the richest given to a starting pitcher, surpassing the $215 million over seven years Clayton Kershaw received from the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Heading into the offseason Zack Greinke and Price positioned themselves as the top two starters available.
Price, 30, has been among the best pitchers over the last handful of years, while the 32-year-old Greinke had a historically great 2015 season.
The two have seemingly been intertwined from the outset, with several teams holding an interest in both pitchers. The Dodgers reportedly discussed signing Greinke and Price, though it appeared to be an unlikely scenario.
In light of Price signing his record deal, Greinke may exceed the average annual value as he is seeking a five or six-year contract, per Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports:
Price’s $31M AAV might not be record for long. Greinke’s deal also could come soon. #Dodgers vs. #SFGiants, 5- or 6-year deal expected.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 1, 2015
According to Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY Sports, Greinke is expected to decide between the Dodgers and San Francisco Giants:
Zack Greinke now expected to sign with #Dodgers or #Giants by the end of the week on a 5- or 6-year deal. The #Dodgers still the favorites
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 1, 2015
Building on what Rosenthal hypothesized, ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick reports Greinke wants a contract with a greater average annual value than what Price received:
Sources say Greinke is looking for a 5 or 6 yr deal. He wants AAV above Price. That means $31.5M or $32M a year.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) December 1, 2015
While the Dodgers were reported as having interest in Greinke and Price, re-signing the right-hander has been said to be their top priority.
Dodgers part owner Magic Johnson stated that was the club’s stance on Tuesday at the press conference to formally introduce manager Dave Roberts.
Greinke is coming off a season in which he went 19-3 and led the Majors in ERA (1.66), ERA+ (225) and WHIP (0.84). Although he turned 32 in October, Greinke’s intellect and repertoire has led to many believing he’ll age well.
