Rumor grade: The Diamondbacks are talking Zack Greinke with the Rangers

Welcome to the “hm, this seems like an out-there rumor that could definitely still happen” portion of the Winter Meetings.

It’s Zack Greinke rumor time, and this one is all about him possibly going to the Texas Rangers. What are the chances it happens? Let’s break it down.

The rumor

The Diamondbacks and Rangers have been talking about starting pitching, per MLB’s TR Sullivan. While the talks are ongoing, Sullivan does report that no deal is currently close. They’re just testing the waters and Greinke only “could be” in play at this point. Reports right now say that Greinke can’t block a trade to the Rangers with his limited no-trade clause.

Why it makes sense for the Rangers

Well for one, they would get Zack Greinke. That makes some sense. Greinke is still owed the majority of a six-year/$206.5 million contract that goes through 2021, but he is Zack Greinke at the end of the day. When you consider that the Rangers may also be considering bringing Yu Darvish back at a similar or even more expensive price, Greinke is the better option of the two. He had a 3.20 ERA with a 3.31 FIP in 202 ¹⁄₃ innings in 2017, far better than his first year in Arizona and more on par with his work throughout the rest of his career.

There are also rumors that Shin-Soo Choo could be a part of the deal going the other way, in which case it would make even more sense for the Rangers. He’s owed the remainder of a seven-year, $130 million deal through 2020 and the Rangers don’t need him in right field, especially when you look at what he did in Texas. Since he signed the contract four seasons ago, Choo has hit .259 with an OBP of .358 and an OPS+ of 109. Sure, fine. But he’s also had a fielding percentage in the .970s over that same time, well below league average. This contract is not working out, and if they can package him with prospects or another player Arizona needs to get him out of town, then all the better.

Why it makes sense for the Diamondbacks

The contract, but for the same reason. Four more years of a massive contract like that, and it keeps them from making other possible moves. It’s Zack Greinke, but they could be unloading him at the right time if his age starts affecting his success. Trading Greinke away after their most successful season in years seems strange, but depending on what they get in return unloading this contract might actually be in their best interests.

If Jurickson Profar is also a name involved, then that looks even better for the Diamondbacks. It gives them a player they could actually have some use for at the same time as they are taking an onerous contract off the books for Texas.

Rumor grade

B. It might not be imminent, and it might not be accurate in this exact form, but this could be a legitimate trade partnership if different names are swapped in and out or one GM is drunk enough at the hotel bar to go “sure, yeah that’s fine.” It makes just enough sense for both sides that it could shake out and happen over the next day or two during Winter Meetings.