Should the Detroit Tigers Sign Zack Greinke?

Looks like David Price and Johnny Cueto aren’t the only aces on the free agent market. A piece from Bill Shaikin in the Los Angeles Times conveyed the news that Zack Greinke has opted out of his contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers in order to become a free agent.

The move certainly makes sense given Greinke’s spectacular season in 2015, not to mention an excellent track record.

One of Los Angeles’ two aces, the former Royal went 19-3 record with a miniscule 1.66 ERA over 222.2 innings pitched. His WHIP was a league-low 0.844. Greinke has won 51 games over the past three seasons with the Dodgers, posting a sparkling 2.30 earned run average in the process. No one would bat an eye if you suggested Greinke was more valuable than Price or Cueto.

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Should the Tigers sign Zach Greinke?

The obvious answer is yes.

Acquiring the now-former Dodger to pair with Justin Verlander atop the rotation would immediately propel the Tigers forward leaps and bounds in terms of once again reaching contender status.

Additionally, Greinke helps fill Detroit’s biggest need (sorry, bull

Jul 9, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA                             Image via Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

pen).

Last season, 12 different pitchers made at least five starts for the Tigers. That group included Verlander, Norris, Anibal Sanchez and the likes of Shane Greene, Matt Boyd, Kyle Ryan, Kyle Lobstein and Buck Farmer. In an ideal world, the last five would be fill out the starting rotation for the Toledo Mud Hens, not the Tigers.

Given the overall struggles of the previous group, it would surprise no one if Verlander and Daniel Norris were the only holdovers heading into next season.

Adding Greinke would solidify three rotation spots for the Tigers.

While having only 60% of a starting rotation filled out may not seem like much of an accomplishment, it would provide immediate dividends to a position on the Detroit roster that felt like a revolving door.

Sanchez would probably have to be dealt to make room for Greinke’s deservedly massive contract. However, if the Tigers can make it work, the team should. The former Royal would go a long way in helping the team rebound from last year. Plus, given the team’s starting pitching need, he may not be the only signing.

In an article by Anthony Fenech in the Detroit Free Press, general manager Al Avila is quoted as saying, “our biggest need going into the off-season is pitching.” Avila also was quoted as mentioning “Different levels of starting pitching,” in terms of the kind of talent the Tigers will go after.

If Avila can put Greinke and a middle-to-back end of the rotation starter like Doug Fister or Scott Kazmir, Detroit’s rotation will be playoff-worthy once again.

The salary commitment would be substantial, but given his success with the Dodgers, not to mention his experience in the American League Central, Greinke would be an ideal signing for the Tigers.