Zack Greinke pulls unexpected move after horrible 2023 season

Oct 11, 2019; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Zack Greinke (21) speaks to the media before the Houston Astros and New York Yankees work out at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Zack Greinke is in full Monty Python Black Knight mode.

Jon Morosi of MLB Network reported this week that the veteran righty Greinke has had his representatives communicate to MLB teams that he is preparing to pitch in 2024 and is open to contract talks. Greinke, 40, is a free agent after spending the last two years with the Kansas City Royals.

By all indications, Greinke is running on empty at this point of his career. His 2023 season was a disaster-class as Greinke went 2-15 with a 5.06 ERA and less than 100 strikeouts in 30 appearances for the Royals (including 27 starts). 2024 would be Greinke’s 21st career season, and his arm is pretty much string cheese by now.

Still, the former Cy Young winner Greinke is a prideful competitor whose almost-unusual passion for the game has been well-documented. There might be some interest in Greinke for a low-leverage relief role, but he probably isn’t much more than a veteran mentor/vibes guy these days.