Zack Greinke Trade Rumors: The complications surrounding the ace’s potential transfer

The trade rumors surrounding Zack Greinke has now resurfaced with the Philadelphia Phillies, Atlanta Braves, and several other teams touted to make a play to acquire the ace. Due to the Arizona Diamondbacks fading amidst the competition, the team may be looking to refresh its line up and gear up for the franchise’s future.

And the first step towards that endeavor is letting go Zack Greinke and his $104.5 remaining contract. But that could prove tricky due to his 15-team no-trade clause that includes the New York Yankees, Red Sox, the Cardinals, and a dozen others.

There are also fears that Zack Greinke might not be able to deliver a performance that will reflect his massive salary, despite an 8-3 record with a 3.08 ERA across 17 starts and 19 appearances, ClutchPoints reported. But teams may still be interested due to Greinke’s performance intensifying during postseasons.

Zack Greinke might provide the Braves with what they need

But again, the no-trade clause is still a problem, especially since it blocks trades for half the teams in the league, including the Phillies and the Braves who are reportedly interested in acquiring Zack Greinke. The Phillies are in a situation where they can truly benefit from snatching Greinke due to his skillsets and the fact that the team is behind the Braves by five and a half games.

The Braves, on the other hand, are also poised to benefit from the 35-year-old. The team is conveniently not included in Zack Greinke’s no-trade list and thus can potentially land him before the trade deadline. However, the aforementioned contracts mean that the Braves will have to shell out a lot of money, as well as foregoing future prospects that could bolster its roster.

Zack Greinke’s age might be a factor for teams trying to land him

Of course, if Zack Greinke maintains his performance, then those worries will be put to rest. But another problem rears its head; Greinke will soon be hitting 36. Although he has been quite the performer for the Diamondbacks throughout his tenure with the team, age will eventually catch up to him.

And whatever team he’s on when that happens will be the one to feel the decline. Whatever the case, it won’t be long until baseball fans know whether or not the Diamondbacks will trade Zack Greinke or not. This is doubly true since there’s an air of urgency in the league what with only having one deadline this year instead of two, with the date set at the end of July.