Greinke returns to Kansas City

The Royals signed an old friend to strengthen a starting rotation that has struggled the past few seasons. On March 16, the Royals signed Zack Greinke to a one year deal worth $13 million. Greinke last pitched for the Royals in 2010 before being part of one of the most famous trades in Royals history. The Royals traded Greinke and Betancourt in 2011 to the Brewers for four players that included shortstop Alcides Escobar, outfielder Lorenzo Cain, pitcher Jeremy Jeffress and pitcher Jake Odorizzi. Since being traded to Milwaukee, Greinke has played with the Angels, Dodgers, Diamondbacks and the Astros.Although the Royals have many young pitchers in the starting rotation, the team believes bringing in a veteran starter like Greinke will help the young starters grow and become reliable pitchers for the team down the road. In an interview with MLB.com's Anne Rogers, Royals president of baseball operations Dayton Moore said: “It seems like over the last three or four years it’s something that, truthfully, we’ve targeted.  A desire to someday bring him back. We follow everything Zack Greinke does. He started in this organization, and we have a very special appreciation for him and Emily and his family. It’s something we wanted to work hard to make happen. The fact that we had a previous relationship with Zack and a comfort level, that all came together and lined up and allowed us to execute this and perhaps win the tie. I know there were several suitors out there with Zack Greinke.” The Royals are hoping that not only will Greinke eat up innings for the team but provide veteran leadership for the rotation and in the clubhouse. Although the Royals made a significant upgrade by adding Greinke to the rotation, I don't expect him to be the top of the rotation type of player he once was at the beginning of his career. Not only does Greinke provide a boost to the Royals rotation, but he will most likely bring more fans to the ballpark in 2022. The Royals aren't done adding starting pitching this offseason and will be ready to put the best team on the field that they possibly can.

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